‘Munitionette’ – Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST 2157

Owned by the Severnside Locomotive Company, this charismatic little shunter has arrived at Oldminster Sidings undergoing restoration, for future operation on the VoBR and other heritage lines.

It was built in 1943 for the Royal Ordinance Factories, where women provided most of the workforce. Exposure to harmful chemicals often turned their skin yellow, prompting the nickname ’Canary Girls’. The women disliked a name that drew attention to their damaged skin, so they decided to call themselves ‘Munitionettes’. The Severnside group has named 2157 in their honour.

2157 is amongst friends at the VoBR. Our Fireless loco (Works No 2126) was built by Andrew Barclay just a year earlier, in 1942. Our Pacer sets were also manufactured by Andrew Barclay and Alexander.