Perseus started life as a concept back in 1998, and was envisaged to be an exact copy of another MVR built Tinkerbell named Merlin built in 1993. The idea was to have the same size wheels, cylinders etc., the only difference being a locomotive boiler as opposed to the marine style fitted to Merlin.
As the project developed, the wheel size was reduced to 8½″, cylinder size increased to 3½″, and Walschaerts valve gear fitted in place of the more normal Heywood type. The only part of the new locomotive therefore that remained a direct copy of Merlin was the cab and tanks as these were cut from the exact same pattern.
What resulted was a significantly more powerful loco that was able to handle the full 13 coach trains that run on the Moors Valley Railway, whilst maintaining the looks of the original Merlin.
Perseus was completed in 2006 and officially named at the Santa Specials that year.
After almost 10 years of service, the decision was taken to withdraw the loco for a major overhaul which included a new boiler (7″ longer in the barrel), front frame extensions and a new front pony truck making it a 2-4-2T. New side tanks and a full repaint completed the works.
The loco is named after the Greek hero, Perseus, son of Zeus.
