Section 4  -  Trust History

               The Warwickshire Industrial Locomotive Trust was formed in 1993 by some Members of The

               Warwickshire Industrial Locomotive Preservation Group in order to raise funds for a new boiler

               for the last Manning, Wardle Locomotive (0-6-0ST No.2047 of 1926) which had been saved for                                    preservation in 1967 and named 'Warwickshire' in 1971.

               We were fortunate to be granted Charitable Status in 1994 and a fund was launched in 1995 to

               raise money for a new boiler ('Warwickshire Boiler Fund').  The locomotive was Cosmetically

               Restored by the Severn Valley Railway at Bridgnorth and placed on Static Display at the

               Kidderminster Railway Museum, in 1997 after spending some time on display in the bay platform

               at Hampton Loade Station. The locomotive was removed from the KRM and moved by road to SVR

               Bridgnorth in November 2010. Overhaul started in September 2011 when MW2047 was dismantled

               and moved into the main workshop. Since then much work has been done on frames, wheels,

               axleboxes and springs. New cylinders have been cast, machined and fitted during 2017/8. Following

               re-wheeling in December 2018 the locomotive chassis was towed down to Bewdley in March 2019.

               Restoration work has continued with both cab and bunker removed and new bufferbeam profiles

               delivered in early 2020. The new boiler is expected to be placed on order in mid 2020 with delivery

               due in 2022/3. The locomotive is due to celebrate its Centenary in 2026.

               In 1998 an Exhibition was held in the main hall of the Kidderminster Railway Museum to

               publicise both the Boiler Fund and to Celebrate the Centenary of the second locomotive owned

               by WILPG namely, 0-6-0T 'The Lady Armaghdale'  built by Hunslet Engine Company in 1898

               (works number 686).  A commemorative book 'The Jazzer' was also published giving historical

               details of both locomotives.

               Arrangements were also made in 1998 for HE686 to be repainted in black livery (as Manchester

               Ship Canal Railway No.14 'St. John') and make visits to the East Lancashire Railway at Bury

               (October 24/25), then to the Middleton Railway at Leeds (November 7/8) and finally back to the

               Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster (November 14/15).  At each location the locomotive was

               able to operate special passenger shuttles for the benefit of both WILT/WILPG Members and   

               the General Public. The locomotive is now on public display at The Engine House at SVR Highley.

               In April 2022 at the Joint AGM Members of both WILT and WILPG voted unanimously to merge

               and form WILPT (a Charitable Incorporated Organisation). More details are to follow shortly.

               The Warwickshire Industrial Locomotive Preservation Trust was finally approved by the Charity                                    Commission on 22nd December 2022. Once Bank Accounts have been opened funds will be

               transfered from WILT & WILPG and both of the these organisations will eventually be closed down                          with Members transferred to the new C.I.O.

               A New Boiler for MW2047 Warwickshie was placed on Order with Israel Newton in late March 2023

               with delivery due sometime in 2025.

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