Joffre at Apedale

Press Release:- Kerr Stuart steam loco will run for the first time in 50 years at Apedale
The owners of Kerr Stuart steam locomotive no.3014 are delighted to announce that the restoration of this locomotive has now entered its final phase. The locomotive will soon be moving to the Moseley Railway Trust site at Apedale, where it will be used to haul trains on the 2’0” gauge Apedale Valley Light Railway.
It is entirely appropriate that the locomotive is based at Apedale, which is just a few miles from the Kerr Stuart works where the locomotive was constructed in 1916. No.3014 was ordered by the French Commission for their artillery railways, and was delivered new to Nantes, France during WW1. Kerr Stuart built 70 locos of this type, known as the “Joffre” – named after the famous French General. After the war, it was sold from Verdun to a dealer, Brunner & Marchand of Borray, Seine & Oise. In October 1930, it was sold on to a stone quarry - Societe Anonyme des Carrieres de la Valee Heureuse et du Haut Banc, Marquise Rinxent in the Pas de Calais area of northern France. By August 1956, the locos on this site were derelict. In 1974, 3014 and four similar “Joffres” were repatriated to the UK onboard the ferry "Free Enterprise VII" on 11/10/74.
3014 and three of the other locos eventually resided at the Gloddfa Ganol slate quarry museum complex, near Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here, it was mounted on a plinth alongside the museum operator's house. It became a familar site to passing motorists as they struggled up the lengendary Crimea Pass road out of Blaenau to the north. Following closure of the Gloddfa Ganol museum, the loco was acquired by the 3014 Society. The locomotive has been restored at a number of sites, and was recently test-steamed for the first time in fifty years.
The key remaining activity on the locomotive is to complete the work on the side tanks, followed by detail finishing and testing. It is expected that the locomotive will be completed and moved to Apedale during Spring 2011.
Gareth Roberts of the 3014 Society said “This locomotive has been restored from a scrapyard condition, and it will be marvellous to bring it home to Staffordshire. The Moseley Railway Trust has a growing collection of vehicles from the First World War military railways, so 3014 will complement and add to this collection considerably”.
It is planned to hold a “launch day” for 3014 at Apedale; the date for this will be announced in due course. The Moseley Railway Trust is hoping to determine if there are any surviving Kerr Stuart employees – the company closed in 1930, so it’s JUST possible! Any leads in this regard would be appreciated.

 

Let's hope a future gala - either at Woody Bay or Apedale, might feature 3014 and Axe double-heading!?

 

I think we're game at Apedale, although the West Lancs Light Railway Joffre is also now close to completion. Triple Joffre, anyone?

 

a Jolly Joint Joffre Jaunt?

 

Look forward to seeing it in action it will add another class tot he list next type someone has WW1 event. Will be great to see the baldwin joffre , and simplex together working , and maybe oneday the hunslet and hudwell clarke.

 

Yep some of the L&BR guys would like to take Axe on tour but it may not be this year since we are down to one working steam loco at present as Sid is a bit sick, I am sure that at some time all the other Joffres will be welcomed at Woody Bay.

Another WW1 loco that would go well even though it was on the other side would be a Fellbahn.

 

Any chance to see any pictures of it in its nearly complete sate or will we have to wait for the launch.
Does any have any idea when it will be allowed to visit other railways

 

Does anyone yet know what liveries the Apedale and West Lancs Joffres will appear in?

 

The next big step forward will be when the side tanks are fitted; if the owners allow, I will post a photo on the MRT news pages.

 

I know these things take time, but do we have any idea what time frame "spring" relates to? i.e. when is it hoped to get the loco to Apedale? (I have an ulterior motive for asking...)

 

As far as I know, both MRT & WLLR Joffres are likely to appear in similar authentic Grey liveries but possibly with (non-authentic) lining out.

Away visits with the MRT Joffre are likely to be subject to final completion dates, owners wishes, offers on the table, running in, etc, etc. 2012 could well be a possibility though as nothing specific is being planned until it is finished!