828 Strathspey

Any news on 828 comeback

 

We ran 46512 into the ground. We only got 5 years out of her because for most of the time she was in operational condition she was the only steam engine we had that worked. Boiler is now at LNWR Crewe, wheels are Ian Riley's for turning, axleboxes with Richard Campbell and other bits and pieces being worked on at Aviemore.

828 is slowly beginning to look like a steam locomotive again. I've attached some pictures I took today when I was up in Aviemore.

 

There was some preliminary work done earlier this year, mainly removal of the chimney and some tubes and most of the superheater flues to allow an initial inspection to be made. I think a boiler lift may be done this winter and a full strip down of the boiler so a proper assessment of the work needed can be completed. Once that is done the owning trust (Watkinson Trust) will be able to progress their HLF application.

I still don't expect any serious work to begin for a few years but the fact that, finally, some work is being done on the locomotive is good news. After 46512 is finished I would expect 5025 to move to the front of the overhaul que in regards of manpower and funding.