35025 Brocklebank Line

Thanks pmh, MSY and Polmadie. It is good to have a bit more detail of '25's time at the GCR and yes, I think that is at Rothley shed, but I don't think it was there for very long?

 

Well part of '25 will be going to another shed soon!
An update from SLL says that the cab of Brocklebank will be going to Herston Works (Swanage) to be refurbished alongside the building of a cab for "Sidmouth" as work on both locomotives gathers pace.

 

Further news from SLL is that Brocklebank's boiler has been wire brushed and grit blasted. Its condition is very good and the outside has now been largely painted - with some very expensive silver paint. The re-organisation at Sellinge is nearly complete, so further restoration work will be easier.

 

There is more up to date information about Brocklebank in the latest SLL Sept update on their website https://southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html

 

I have been sent a new picture (Thanks to S Troy)
of Brocklebank's boiler following some more site clearance work at Sellinge. Expensive silver paint looking good in the sunshine!

 

I have seen some pictures (Courtesy S Troy) of recent crane lifts at Sellinge....


But now a larger crane is needed for the frames.....

Interestingly, the Tender tank clearly shows that "dropped" middle section characteristic of MN tenders, to give extra water capacity, and why the flat WC/BB tender frames were preferred for steelworks ingot(?) carrying use.

 

Brocklebank's frames have been lifted off the wheels and moved to a more convenient location at Sellinge. Work is proceeding steadily as the site has been tidied up and a regular SLL group is making good progress.

 

Here is a picture (Courtesy Mr S Troy SLL) showing the frames being lifted at Sellinge.

 

Work started today on stripping the cab back to the frame in preparation for new panels throughout. Details on various FB pages.

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Is the cab shown here one that was fabricated at Loughborough or is the frame the original from Woodhams?
My memory is faded on what work was carried out on 25 once cocooned behind the main sheds at Loughborough. I have no recollection of seeing the frames lifted from the wheel sets but I imagined the axles boxes were done?

 

My understanding is that this is the one that was overhauled at Loughborough. Alas the ravages of the weather have taken their toll on the panels and they have to be done again. As far as I know the frames are original but happy to be corrected.

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Here is a picture taken of the rebuilt cab at Loughborough (Dec 2005)

 

Looking a bit naked now

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What is seriously impressive is how much work has already been done with 35025 since it was moved into the SLL operation in less than two years and a Covid pandemic! .....and they have been doing a lot of work on four other locomotives in various locations!!

 

SLL don't hang about, do they?

 

With a bit of luck the cab frame should be completely bare , rustproofed and primed by this time next week. Then hopefully Manston should be back at Herston

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The rebuild of the cab has started in the works as space and manpower currently available. Will be worked on as and when possible without holding up Manston.

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Good to read that new parts are now going on to Brocklebank Line.

 

Yes, It seems that handing the loco to SLL was the right move for the engines future , Both the Merchants that found their way to Selinge, are both now assured of having a future, Something that for a long time looked bleak, as none of the original owners had the whereabouts to fund any restoration work,

 

I have received a picture of Brocklebank's Cab frame. You can see where new channel sections have been welded in at the bottom.


Picture courtesy (G Reber/SLL)
Meanwhile at Sellinge, work has been concentrated on "Sidmouth" to get the frames ready for grit blasting.