Back in 1992, Steam Railway Magazine ran an item (and an appeal for funds) about some enthusiasts wanting to "rescue" the engine, the background to the story is briefly:
On October 22, 1892, near Ulverston, Lancashire, The Furness Railway 0-6-0 loco No. 115, fell victim to haematite mining subsidence! The engine apparently was travelling along, when a large 200 ft. deep chasm opened up in front of it. The hole which spanned 5 sets of tracks swallowed both the engine and the tender.
The tender was subsequently recovered, but the engine was buried in-situ.
This engine is/was considered unique in that it is the only known survivor of all the locos written off due to accidents.
The railway enthusiasts were planning to "rescue" the engine, by tunnelling through the side of the embankment in which it lies. They believed that it would still be in the same condition it was in, 100 years ago because "of the absence of oxygen to foster corrosion".
I never heard what came of this venture. Where they got the idea of there being no oxygen in the embankment is anyone's guess!
Anyone for a dig?