The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has confirmed an agreement with Railway Support Services for the hire of diesel shunter 08927 (D4157), which will take up duties as the depot shunter at Darlington Locomotive Works.
Completed in December 1962, 08927 is widely recognised as the final Class 08 shunter ever constructed. The locomotive is currently nearing completion of a comprehensive overhaul, with staff from the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust set to assist with the concluding stages of the work and subsequent testing. Once commissioned, the locomotive is expected to serve as the Works’ resident shunter for a minimum period of five years.
Speaking about the agreement, Infrastructure and Works Manager, Richard Snowdon said:
“We are grateful to Railway Support Services for making 08927 available and for arranging its movement to Darlington. We are proud to be the custodian of the last Class 08 completed, and it will be a significant asset to our operations at the Locomotive Works.”
The arrival of 08927 will provide reliable and historically significant shunting capability at Darlington, supporting locomotive building, maintenance and servicing activities at the site.