103 JOHN

In time for Christmas 2025 Rhyl Steam Preservation Trust bought John, the last of the six steam locomotives built by Albert Barnes in Rhyl. It arrived on 20th January 2026 having previously been stored privately since 2012. This locomotive is in excellent mechanical condition, but the boiler is ‘out of ticket’ and will require re-tubing in order to restore John to working order. This acquisition fulfils the ambition of Les Hughes, Trust Chairman, to return all six locomotives to Rhyl.

John was built in 1921, and has carried its maker’s plate as No 103 since it was new. It worked on Rhyl Miniature Railway until 1969 when the railway closed and it was placed into store. Once it was decided to sell the locomotives, John was overhauled and fitted with the present boiler built in 1970. It was sold 1978 to John Broome for use at Alton Towers in Staffordshire. There it was steamed infrequently on a short track next to the 2ft gauge railway.

In 1985 John was sold to Michael Dunn, for use at his family’s railway at Whorlton Lido in County Durham. From 1991 it was kept at the Lightwater Valley Railway, before being sold in 1995 to David Hibbert. It was then kept at the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, where it was steamed from time to time during special events. In 2001 it was purchased by Jim and Helen Shackell, who brought it to Rhyl for our event in May.  It came back again for visits in 2008 and 2011. From 2007 to 2012 John operated at Jim and Helen’s railway at Evesham. During its last overhaul in 2007 it was restored to traditional RMR livery, as well as being fitted with air brakes and other improvements.