1918-built Barclay locomotive, Ajax, has found a new home in the West Midlands after a fond farewell from its current home, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Having been on the Isle of Wight Railway for more than 50 years, the 0-6-0T locomotive has found a new home at the Northampton and Lamport Railway.

Ajax was facing being put into storage as it was surplus to requirements with the recent arrival of Haydock, which is on loan from the National Trust.

The transfer of Ajax to the Northampton and Lamport Railway was agreed at a nominal sum and it is planned for the locomotive to be used on the two-mile line in the midlands.

It is planned for the locomotive to leave the Isle of Wight at the end of November.

“We’re delighted to have found a new home for Ajax where she will be returned to steam and will operate in service again for people’s enjoyment.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the NLR overhaul Ajax and are pleased to be able to support another growing heritage railway by transferring Ajax into their care.”

Peter Taylor, Chairman of the IWSR

“We are very grateful to the IWSR trustees for giving us the opportunity to overhaul Ajax so that it can be returned to operational condition and form a central part of the ironstone train project.”

Adam Giles, chairman of the NLR