Aveling & Porter TJ

The "Blue Circle" is a 2-2-0WT (Geared) class TJ traction engine that was built in 1926. It is believed to be the last standard gauge (4ft 8 1/2in) traction in the world. "The Blue Circle" worked for Holborough Cement, at Snodland Cement Works. It worked as a shunting engine for them, until the company was bought out by Associated Portland Cement in 1931. After it was withdrawn in 1962, it stayed in a yard at Sheffield Park until 1964, when it was purchased by the Bluebell Railway on April 23. It worked there until 1997 when it was loaned to a group at Quainton Road, who owned a similar engine. It was later sold to them in 2001, as it was deemed to be faster than we thought (it's top speed is 70mph). It was sold again in 2005 to the Chinnor and Princess Risborough Railway. It was sold yet again, in 2007 to the Battlefield Line in Shackerstone, a town in Leicestershire. It was dressed up as Fergus on multiple occaisions for Day Out With Thomas. It had a second nameplate with "Fergus" on it, and was repainted multiple times, as well as gaining a face. In January 2015, it moved to the Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway. It was at the Great Dorset Steam Fair in 2018, where it was in yet another livery. It was put up for sale again in late 2018, and was sold in early 2019. It was set to open a line of track at Leiston Works in 2019. It currently works at the Nene Valley Railway, but it is privately owned by a Mick Smith. Because of liecensing issues, it cannot be displayed as Fergus anymore, but they do give it a wooden face.