Locomotive Part Stolen in 1980s Returned by Former “Souvenir Hunter”

A component of a steam locomotive has been given back by an individual described as a “souvenir hunter,” who confessed to taking it during the 1980s. The Nene Valley Railway (NVR), situated close to Peterborough, received an undisclosed letter from a “reformed and repentant former 1980s schoolboy souvenir hunter,” which included the absent component—a handle—and a £10 contribution. This handle was originally affixed to the smokebox door of “Derek Crouch,” a small locomotive constructed in the 1920s that has since undergone overhaul and repairs. Nathan Wilson, an engineer at NVR, expressed gratitude to the unidentified individual who returned the locomotive part, noting that the accompanying letter commenced with “Merry Christmas.” Over its decades of operation, Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST No.1539 “Derek Crouch” performed duties such as working at Tilbury Docks in Essex and conveying freight from agricultural sites and industrial facilities on the Wissington Light Railway in Norfolk. The NVR team had spent decades looking for the absent component, yet suggested that the person who took it might have inadvertently helped them. Had the item not been well-preserved, it could have sustained damage or been misplaced. Speaking to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Mr Wilson stated: “It is fantastic, it gave me a really good laugh when the letter appeared on the desk. “We know nothing about who it was from, but we are grateful they looked after it and returned it to us. “We have got no hard feelings. “I’ve been involved in looking after the engine for about 12 years now and we have never had it… we presumed it was long gone.” The correspondence from the individual responsible commenced with: “… yes it is your original, I’m afraid you lost it in the 1980s.” It concluded with: “Good luck with your restoration, please find enclosed a small additional contribution.”