The Bury Standard 4 Group has released an update on the overhaul work being completed on steam locomotive 80097.

Final assembly of the locomotive continued, and on Monday 15th October 2018, the locomotive was shunted to Baron Street locomotive shed on the East Lancashire Railway.

A fire was soon lit in the firebox, and over the next few days, the locomotive was slowly warmed through and the boiler pressure increasing. Full pressure was reached on Thursday 18th October 2018.

An insurance inspection of the locomotive was carried out. Then, when this was successfully completed, the locomotive was permitted to move.

A slow run under her own steam in the yard took place and she performed well. This is the first time since 1965 that 80097 has run under her own steam.

80097 became a sort of surprise guest at the ELR’s Autumn Steam Gala. During the gala, the locomotive ran as a light engine, making various passes through the station.

Some minor commissioning work now needs to be completed, and then when this is complete, line testing, load testing and weighing can be completed.

Once this is done, it will be classed as ‘fit to run’ by the engineers at the ELR.

It is expected that 80097 will be allocated to the ELR loco roster and running scheduled trains before Christmas.

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