Peckett 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive 1631 Plain Mid Green

Peckett 0-4-0 Steam Locomotive 1631 Plain Mid Green

Details:

The Rapido Trains UK OO Gauge Peckett No. 1631 ‘Marcia’ is a highly detailed ready-to-run model of one of Britain’s characterful industrial steam locomotives. Designed to capture the distinctive proportions and individual features of the prototype.

Despite its small size, the model incorporates an impressive range of tooling variations, refined detailing and a smooth-running mechanism, making it an excellent addition to industrial railway scenes and compact model railway layouts.

The model features an enclosed cab back with internal bunker, riveted side tanks and a cab-front-mounted Peckett whistle. A diecast metal chassis, running boards and boiler are combined with a plastic cab and tanks, finished in a high-quality paint scheme. Numerous detailing variations capture the character of this distinctive industrial locomotive.

Features:

• Peckett 1287 Class, Works No. 1631, built in 1923.
• Plain mid-green livery representing Manchester Oxide Co / Hardman & Holden Ltd.
• Supplied with etched ‘Marcia’ nameplates.
• Coreless motor, sprung front axle and smooth-running mechanism.
• E24 DCC socket and factory-fitted speaker.
• NEM 363 coupler pockets at both ends.

Historical Background

Built in 1923 by Peckett and Sons at their Atlas Works in Bristol, locomotive No. 1631 was the second and final member of the standard-gauge 1287 class. Initially supplied to Constable’s (Matlock Quarries) Ltd, she worked at limestone quarries in Matlock before moving to Ballochmyle Quarry in Dumfriesshire in 1932.

Following the closure of the quarry’s unsuccessful brick-making operation, No. 1631 passed through several owners before arriving at the Manchester Oxide Company in 1943. Later operated by Hardman and Holden Ltd, the locomotive worked on the firm’s internal railway near Pendleton. It was here that she acquired the name Marcia, in honour of the managing director’s wife, and remained at work for approximately 20 years.

In 1963, Marcia was donated to the Kent and East Sussex Railway (K&ESR), arriving at Tenterden in her faded industrial green livery. She was subsequently repainted in a lined dark blue scheme and numbered No. 12, reflecting the railway’s historic locomotive numbering tradition. In 1965, railway enthusiast Richard ‘Dick’ Beckett purchased Marcia to prevent her from leaving the railway, beginning a remarkable period of private ownership lasting more than half a century.

Marcia continued to operate at railway events and became a familiar ambassador for the K&ESR. Following periods out of service and extensive boiler repairs, she returned to traffic in 2022. After Dick Beckett’s death in 2023, the locomotive was jointly purchased by Rapido Trains UK and Andy Hardy in 2024, ensuring her future at the railway.

Following an intermediate overhaul in 2025, Marcia is undergoing a full repaint, with a planned return for the 2027 season in a finish closely resembling her original Peckett livery.