2025 Returnees and Withdrawals

I saw 6430 mentioned, but 6412 is also now withdrawn following the South Devon Gala; leaves the sector without an operating 6400.

To make up for it, 1466 and 1420 due to join 1450 as operational 1400s.

46100 due to go out of ticket in March, although reports indicate it has been pulled now with no tours booked for it before then.

 

4150 is not a return per others listed but to running again since 1965 when withdrawn. 4150 left Barry in May 1974. Apart from Thornbury Castle and 2-8-2T 7202, the earliest departure yet to steam again afaik.

 

Out of interest, how is Bluebell's overhaul going? That was originally supposed to be a fast track one, wasn't it, but am I right in saying that more requires needing doing than was originally thought?

Steve B

 

I think the mechanical work is largely done, and the rolling chassis is being reassembled. There was some talk that the tanks might need replacing, but I can't remember for sure now. The boiler is at Bridgnorth; I'm not sure of the status there but it went with a specific window in their programme of work available. When it comes back, final assembly of the loco then has to take place, of course. Return in 2026 is likely, I think.

Tom

 

I suspect that a return after 60 years is very much a return which will be noticed rather more than a loco entering its 3rd/4th/5th pres era ticket!!

 

46100 Royal Scot making her last run today ? on a private train Crewe to Holyhead.
Would have thought with so many others available to play with she will be put back in the Toybox at Margate for a few years, though given the amount of work done a decade ago to get her up and running may be a one of the easier ones to bring back in the future...

 

5541 withdrawn at the Dean forest

Hunslet George B at Bala withdrawn (although it's been mothballed for a few months anyway)

 

run today was a staff only trip

I read somewhere the Castle and King need completing first then 45231 is next in line for overhaul as well as 60019 being done at location to be identified before 46100 is started

 

I believe 35005 is due back this year.

 

N2 is due to return to service on NNR

 

Sorry just realised N2 already mentioned

 

7802 passed it's steam test at Tyseley on the 10th and should be back on the SVR before the end of the month.

Dare I suggest 71000? Has been heading to the SVR for testing every month since last summer according to Steam Railway!!

 

Last I heard might be arriving a similar time at the SVR as 7802.

 

From accounts from people at TYSm it hasnt turned a wheel in anger under its own steam yet. It can turn up anytime it wants but it cant go anywhere along the Valley until Feb 15th as there are numerous possessions along the railway. Not least Kidderminster station.

 

Having seen a photo of 71000 today I don’t think we need to worry about turning up before the SVR reopens…

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14fddD98EG/

7802's first movements at Tyseley.

 

I've read that J94 68078 is nearing completion (or has been completed?) at Hope Farm, Sellinge but there is a distinct lack of photographic evidence of this loco's restoration, unless I'm missing something?
Does anyone know more or know where it might be planning to run? K&ESR per chance?

 

The tank and cab have been put back on, and the engine is being finished. I understand it will not go to the KESR, as per the wishes of it's owners.

 

An old, old friend of mine, since after withdrawal by BR, it was bought by Derek Crouch and used locally for shunting duties at coal disposal plants in the late 60s before being sold for preservation. I'd love one more chance to see it.

On 15th March 1967, I found it on shunting duties at Linton Colliery in Northumberland, a few miles away from its usual base at Widdrington Disposal Point.

 

By October 1974 it was in store back at Widdrington DP, with protective steel sheets blocking access to the cab. It was from here that it went into preservation, along with its work companion, 0-6-0 ST 'Derek Crouch, which I became reacquainted with by accident when I called in at the Nene Valley one day in 1999 on my way to a friend's house in Sussex. Derek Crouch, was the owner of the civil engineering and mining company which owned both locos, and he hailed from Peterborough, which I assume is how the loco carrying his name turned up at the NVR.