purple / white shunter

[randyrippley]

A small purple shunter with white horizontal stripes was heading south down the M6 near Lancaster around 5pm today (on a lorry...)
Carried a number which I think was 0510 (it wasn't a class 05)
Centre cab (roughly 1/3 - 2/3 placement) with strong tapering sides to the roof suggesting built to a restricted loading gauge.
I've no idea what it was - any clues anyone? Paintwork looked very fresh

 

[randyrippley]

found the answer: one of these
http://cliffjones.zenfolio.com/p271527479/h11A34C9C#h11a34c9c
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thomas_Hill_(Vanguard)_319V_(5676879108).jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alunhughes/32071024184

A military Thomas Hill Vanguard
more about them here
http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/features/marchwood_military_railway/index1.shtml

 

[Defiance149]

MoD owned 01510, going Longtown to Barrow Hill for maintenance by HNRC.