The North Tyneside Steam Railway has released an update on the overhaul of steam locomotive 401.

401 was steamed for the first time since 2008 on January 17th 2019. During the first steam test, the loco was gently warmed for around 4 or 5 hours before being taken up to 20psi to see if there were any leaks issues.

On the 24th, the locomotive was steamed once again and this time was taken up to working pressure to set the safety valves. The engine is now waiting to be weighed, before the boiler insurance exam.

As well as repairs to the firebox, 401 has gained new tyres and a refurbished smokebox door.

A brief history of 401

401 is one of three locomotives built by W.G Bagnall in 1950 to compete with diesel traction. As a result, they were fitted with self-cleaning smokeboxes, rocking grates, hopper ash pans and Walschaerts valve gear. Some say that these are the most technologically advanced industrial steam locomotives ever built. The class also have the second highest tractive effort of any UK industrial engine, only being beaten by the OQ class peckett ‘Mardy Monster’.

Two have been preserved, these being 401 ‘Vulcan’ and 403 ‘Victor’. 401 and 403 were first preserved at the West Somerset railway and 403 ‘Victor’ returned to steam at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite railway in 2014.

401 has been based at the North Tyneside Steam Railway since the 90’s and was re-named ‘Thomas Burt’ by the museum service.

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