This typical Andrew Barclay product has been a Bowes engine nearly all its life. Delivered to the Bowes brand new from Kilmarnock, it was first based at Springwell Bank Foot shed, but moved to the East Tanfield and Tanfield Lea collieries, before a move to Marley Hill, the Bowes Railway shed that is now the main shed on the Tanfield Railway (The two lines crossed on the level at Marley Hill on a 90 degree crossing). After that it moved to a Tyneside tar works, before preservation back on the Bowes again, at Springwell. It carries two numbers. Bowes number 22, and the Coal Board's Area number 86. Tradition died hard on the Bowes and area numbers were carried, but not used when referring to a loco!

No 22 has recently had a spell on the newly opened Weardale Railway, hauling two non corridor compartment coaches on a reduced timetable, to allow for its limited fuel and water capacity. It was still a delight to ride behind the little 0-4-0ST on a leisurely jaunt through the attractive riverside landscape. With or without No 22, the Weardale is worth visiting. Now back at the Bowes, the Weardale visit must be the furthest from home its been since 1949. (And even then, its not far to Wolsingham from Springwell!).