Another London Transport Pannier returns: 5786 becomes L.92

Maroon pannier L.92 is set to make a comeback in 2013 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the London Underground.

Based on on the South Devon Railway and currently undergoing a 10 yearly boiler overhaul in the SDR works, work has already begun on the repaint from the BR black livery it wore at the end of its previos ticket. Many parts are already in undercoat in readiness for final assembley.

L.92 was the first ex-LT pannier to be preserved, when the owning group the 'Worcester Locomotive Society' wanted to buy an ex-BR steam loco.
The opportunity to buy a working loco was a great bonus and the loco was duly purchased and moved to the Severn Valley Railway. Its once smart but later dirt encrusted lined maroon paint made way for GWR green. Hence the owning group feel its high time to ring the changes and retun it to its former identity.

The preservation of L.92 started the trend with many of the panniers being rescued, but sadly not all. the loco was later joined on the SVR by L.95 (5764) also in working order, it too being a late LT steam survivor.

Although sadly more work was required on the boiler than was first expected as a quick turnaround was first invisaged when withdrawn in September 2011. With the repaint progressing alongside reassembley and boiler work, the aim for completion is set for early in the 2013 running season.

 

Great news, is a visit to London on the cards next year? A line-up of ex LT loco's would look great at the Neasden open day.

Chris

 

It would be great if the loco was able to make it back to London to play a part in the Underground 150 events in some way.
As the loco is a member of the South Devon's fleet, it would have to be agreed between the SDR and the owning group for any possible visits away. That said it would be very nice to get out there and fly the flag for botht the railway and owning society.

Has any date been set for a Neasden Open day?

 

31st of August according to the LTM Calendar

Chris

 

Wednesday 23rd saw L.92 boiler reunited with its frames after passing its hydraulic test and test steaming.
Reassembly is now stepping up a gear with the target of the SDR easter gala still achievable.
It is anticipated thst once complete the opportunity will be taken to match the maroon livery pannier with the sdr engineers stock to replicate the type of workings the london transport panniers carried out up until the 1970s, as well as the possibility of cameos shunting around the yard at Buckfastleigh.

 

Following successful trial runs and running in on service trains this week, L.92 is now scheduled to take a starring role during the SDR 'delivering the goods' gala this easter.
The lined maroon loco will make several runs with a London transport inspired engineers train throughout the gala.
See SDR website for more details and timetables.

 

ive got a pot of paint from Neasden Works of LT maroon if that helps at all!!

a beautiful rich almost chocolately deep maroon!

the 57XXs i think looked at their best in LT livery!

cheers,
julian