In the first part of the story we covered the history of No. 1713 from its out-shopping at The Midland Engine Works, Hunslet, Leeds, the home of J & H McLaren (1876-1983) to the engine’s acquisition by the Birch family of Sellindge, Kent.
During the late 80s , as it was then known, was to be seen at all the major south-east events and was owned by David Birch. David had her painted in a distinctive mid-blue livery after the maroon it had been in since the 1960s. After a while the engine was put up for sale and following the advice from Cheffins steam adviser Wilem Middlemiss the showman’s fittings were removed and David
