Hudswell Clarke 0-4-0 DM D629 ‘Sparky’ was built in 1945 and delivered to Springfields Munition factory (outside Preston) to work with sister loco ‘Mighty Atom D628’. It was built to the same design as ‘mighty atom’ with a water trapped engine and electrical wiring in conduit.
Fitted with a Crossley 6BWL engine and 4 speed gearbox. This makes ‘Mighty Atom’ and ‘Sparky’ a unique pair of locomotives. Springfields became BNFL Springfields in the late 1940’s producing the fuel for the first commercial nuclear reactor at Calder Hall. Sparky spent many years happily shunting wagons until her retirement with Mighty Atom. Saved by a BNFL member of staff. Sparky was delivered to Southport and then onto Ribble where she sat waiting to be restored.
Wheels have now started turning and Sparky is on the way to full working order.
Keep up to date with restoration of this loco via their Facebook page
