76079

Me too! Used to get very dirty looks from other passengers as this orange creature was heading home to Crosby...

 

Strange how some locos have a really good reputation, do anything thats asked of the, steam on a candle flame yet others from the same class have a bit of a friday afternoon reputation shall we say?! Just an example when 5000 and 45110 were at the SVR I know some Crews would wax lyrical about 5110 yet didnt have a good word about 5000!

 

Ah yes, happy days! I was never sure if that crank pin had been torched at Barry or Sutton Oak. I suppose a photo of 76079 in transit to Barry would confirm if it went with rods on or rods off. All the best. Ray.

 

The crank pin was repaired by fitting a 'cap' held on by 4 studs - similar to the speedo drive crank on the driver's side. I'd forgotten about the LMS bearing covers. Yes they did come off a 502 but from the two units which we stripped for spares for the, then NRM unit, in the coalyard next to 27C. Cheers, Ray.

 

And such events are very much a part of the heritage railway history; alas, largely untold.

 

I used to live on the Promenade at the North end.
One day when walking back home from a day ripping out the smoke troughs and getting coated in soot and bird ****.
I passed 2 little old ladies out for a stroll and a few seconds later I heard the comment "Southport is not as select as it once was".

 

Yep, we sure used to get some funny looks. Remember when Richard and I used to go for a run out on the roller to Churchtown? This particular Sunday we parked the engine amongst the BMW's outside the Hesketh Arms and went in for a pint. As we walked through the door in our less-than-clean overalls and old lady referred to us as "two dirty old road-menders". The old bag later became my ex's mother in law. Who says there's no justice in the world! LOL. All the best for Christmas and the New Year. I suppose we should get back 'on topic'. Ray.

"Nostalgia's not what it used to be!"

 

Haha - great comments, Bryan & Ray

 

Railadvent has posted the loco has been sold to the Strathspey railway

 

This is the article on Rail Advent: https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2026/0...r-yorkshire-based-steam-locomotive-76079.html
Surely the loco was ideal for the NYMR. An inability to pay for the overhaul?

 

Will be interesting to see if they keep her mainline registered & air braked - steam hauled Royal Scotsman?!
Either way, a great loco for the line. Quite the collection building up in Aviemore shed!

 

Lost the air brake kit a long time ago .....

 

Really? That is a shame. Taw Valley retained hers and has proven useful on more than a few occasions on the SVR.

 

NYMR has got the S160 with air brakes but they don't seem to get many charters visiting that would require it.
Not sure who bought the pump, reservoirs and driver's brake valve off the 76 but I'm sure I heard its been reused on another loco.

 

Were they removed when the loco left rileys to join the nymr or sometime after?

 

They were on the loco for quite some time after it joined the NYMR, I think. I was on a footplate ride from Grosmont to Whitby. The pump was turned off on the NYMR and it had to be restarted at Goathland because the loco was then due to work through to Whitby on its next trip, but the crew had problems getting it going again. I'm not sure of the ins and outs of it all, but istr that the pump was under either the loco cab or tender.

 

It was under the drivers side cab, as I recall from ELR. I only drove it a few times in air mode. It was a good set up as it retained the 'native' braking system for vac operation and the pump didn't need to be active.

 

I should be delighted if 76079 were restored to mainline standards; I had some great trips behind her 20 or so years ago.

 

Latest update from the Strathspey Railway. <BJ>

A New Chapter Begins at the Strathspey Railway
''We are delighted to announce that the Strathspey Railway has purchased BR Standard Class 4MT No. 76079 from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Built at Horwich Works in 1957, No. 76079 is a locomotive with an incredible story and a proud heritage. Many enthusiasts will know her as the only preserved member of her class to operate on the national network in preservation, working services between Grosmont and Whitby and appearing on main line charters across the country.
Now, this much-loved locomotive is set to begin an exciting new future in the Highlands.
Following arrival at Aviemore, No. 76079 will undergo a full overhaul before returning to steam* on the Strathspey Railway. This is a major long-term restoration project, with overhaul costs expected to be in the region of £600,000.
Over the coming months, we will be announcing ways supporters can get involved in helping return 76079 to steam, including fundraising initiatives and volunteer opportunities. Whether you are a lifelong railway enthusiast, a skilled engineer, or simply someone who wants to support heritage preservation in the Cairngorms, there will be opportunities to play a part in this locomotive’s future.
This is a significant moment for our railway and for steam preservation in Scotland. We would like to thank the NYMR for entrusting us with the future of this remarkable engine, and we look forward to sharing the restoration journey with you all''.
More details, including fundraising information and transport arrangements, will be announced in due course.
Keep an eye on our page for updates as No. 76079 prepares for her journey north to Aviemore.


Image source, Andrew Jeffery