Peckett 1678 was built in 1927 for the Sherwood Colliery Co. Ltd, becoming Locomotive No. 4. In 1947, when the coal mines were nationalised, Sherwood Colliery became part of the East Midlands Division, Area No. 2 and 1678 was transferred into NCB ownership. In 1960, 1678 was registered with the Railway Executive for mainline use if required and continued in use at the colliery through to August 1969, when it was withdrawn from service.
Peckett locomotives which were noted for their fine rivet work on the cabs and tanks and the generous use of brass and copperwork continued to be built at Atlas Works until June 1958. Describing their core market as “Colleries, Ironworks, Contractors Tinplate Works etc.” Peckett took pride in turning their locos out in a lined Works livery and utilised many standard components in their construction, however the nature of the locomotives’ end use meant there were a number of alterations carried out, particularly as reduced height versions for operating in smelting works and collieries.
Although producing a serviceable 200bhp diesel locomotive design like most steam locomotive builders Peckett & Sons were unable to survive the changing rail freight patterns and availability of surplus ex-BR shunting engines. The company was bought out by Reed Crane & Hoist Company during 1961, having produced 140 W4 locomotives between April 1885 and February 1906.
The Peckett company name was still recorded by Companies House as a dormant company until the 1990s and surviving company records and drawings are now held by the National Railway Museum.