2019 has been a busy year for the company’s staff and volunteers. Much work has been carried during the year, which will hopefully see three engines return to in 2020, joining the three serviceable locomotives currently.

34010 “Sidmouth”

Alongside more critical work on other drivers, a few members of the team have been restoring “Sidmouth”‘s trailing truck.

Most of the cleaning work has been completed, allowing the focus to turn to repairing the components.

The aim is complete both trailing truck and leading bogie before the frame enters Herston Works, forming the rolling chassis and making moving the engine easier.

34028 “Eddystone”

Roughly a month ago Eddystone’s boiler was returned to the rolling chassis. This means that the overhaul is now in its final stages. Majority of the bottom-end and boiler cladding work has been completed. The locomotive has also been moved closer to the door on returning to Herston Works. All are going to plan, 34028 will hopefully be back in traffic by Mid 2020.

34053 “Sir Keith Park”

Now paired with Manston’s ‘narrow’ tender, Sir Keith Park has been running on the Swanage Railway. The restoration of Sidmouth’s boiler, which will be used on 34053, is progressing well.

34070 “Manston”

With the boiler cladding and tubes removed, examination work can begin. The overall condition of 34070 is deemed to be very good, which is hoped means no extensive work is needed. Provided funds can be met, “Manston” is planned to steam again around Mid 2020.

34072 “257 Squadron” and 80104

Both 34072 and 80104 have been hauling passenger trains on the Swanage Railway with no significant faults noted.

“Norman”

The scale and cost of Norman’s overhaul have exceeded SLL’s initial estimates, with total repairs looking to cost around £140,000. Much of this total will be spent on replacing the horn guides, foundation ring and some areas in the firebox. This work is preceding well, with “Norman” planned to be completed by Mid 2020. The substantial repairs carried out should hopefully see the engine through its 10-year boiler ticket without any major repairs needed. Once complete, “Norman” will be heading to the Spa Valley Railway as a loan agreement has been finalised between them at SLL. The tank will be painted into WD Longmoor Blue and numbered 75050.

All this work would not be possible without Southern Locomotives Ltd‘s supporters, which the company thanks to them for all their contributions. Any support is appreciated, whether helping the team maintain the fleet or donations big or small. For more information or to support Southern Locomotives Ltd, please visit their website here.

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