Happy Birthday ‘Sweet Pea’ – 90 years of Hunslet 1786

2025 marks several anniversaries including the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway opening and 65th anniversary of the Middleton Railway being preserved. A lesser known anniversary, but equally important (in our opinion anyway!), is the 90th anniversary of our beloved Hunslet No.1786 otherwise known as ‘Sweet Pea’ or ‘Courage’.

This diminutive diesel was built in 1935 for use at the Courage Brewery in Alton, Hampshire. After over 30 years of use at the brewery, shunting trains of supplies, it was purchased for preservation at Middleton in 1968. It has since remained a favourite among volunteers and visitors.

Measuring just 14’ 2” from buffer to buffer, weighing 6 tons 12 cwt, having 22hp and a top speed of around 7mph it is the smallest standard gauge diesel ever built giving it an important place in the railways collection.

To celebrate the 90th birthday of this marvel of a locomotive, it will be hauling brake van rides on the 19th of July. This is a rare opportunity to see ‘Sweet Pea’ both operating and giving brake van rides. It is anticipated that this will also be the first time the locomotive will be out following a full repaint and overhaul back to original condition.

Further information on the event is to be announced shortly!