Known as the "Buckeye", the locomotive was built in 1935 as No. 12708 in Berlin by the Orenstein & Koppel Locomotive Works. The two-foot gauge, wood and coal burning steam engine was shipped to Africa where it was used in mining and forestry operations. Its sister engine, the "Popeye", still remains in Africa.
After its industrial application ended, the "Buckeye" was used as a children’s ride and a tourist train on the Gwelo & District Light Railway in Zimbabwe during the 1980s.
In 2004 the locomotive was purchased by Peter Nott and was shipped to the United States to his private workshop at Norgrove Gardens in Arroyo Grande, California. Over time the "Buckeye" was completely rebuilt and restored to mint condition. The "Buckeye" continues to operate on the private agricultural tramway known as the Norgrove Gardens Railway which is officially set to open to the public in 2024.
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