The Bury Standard 4 Group has released an update on the restoration of 80097, which is now nearing completion.

During the weekend of 5th / 6th January, more work continued on the locomotive. This included adjusting the springs, resealing the chimney, fitting felt dust pads and rewelding on the rear step brackets.

A loaded test run was planned for the 11th January, but during the warm-up runs, the locomotive was found to have a hot crosshead slider. This was fixed on Saturday 12 January 2019 and on Sunday 13th January, the locomotive was running to Ramsbottom again.

On Friday 18th January, 80097 undertook a loaded test, successfully hauling a ‘Peak’ diesel locomotive.

This gave the locomotive the go-ahead for trials in traffic and on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th January 2019, she top and tailed service trains with GWR 4270.

80097 will now go back into the Bury Standard 4 Group‘s workshop to be fully painted, ready for the official launch at the East Lancashire Railway‘s Spring Steam Gala on the 8th – 10th March 2019.

Where Next?

News Homepage
   For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
   Framed Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s and more
LocoStop Community
   Come and share your railway pictures
Bury Standard 4 Group
   Visit their website
Photo: Liam Barnes
   Visit their website