The Class G5 Locomotive Company has issued its latest update on the progress to recreate a North Eastern Railway Class O, LNER Class G5, 0-4-4 Passenger Tank Locomotive.

Eccentric Sheaves

Four eccentric sheaves have been ordered from Sutton Casting Ltd (SCL), who have had a pattern made from which the sheaves will be cast before being machined to fit the crank axle. Funding for the sheaves is thanks to the support of the Friends of the G5 SuperFriends donations.

Cylinder Block

This summer the front of the locomotive changed quite dramatically. Although the cylinder block has been in the frame as a trial fit for several years, over the course of five evenings the front beam, chimney, and smokebox were removed so that the cylinder block could be hoisted out before being temporarily moved to Daniela Works for an assessment before its final machining. The set of 44 studs that will hold the front cylinder covers in place have been manufactured by Daniela, whilst over the next six months the cylinder block, front cylinder covers, and valve chest covers will be machined.

Whilst the chimney and smokebox have been readily accessible, they have been painted in matt black heat-proof paint.

Tank Drawings

Work to complete the drawings for the tanks continues, with particular attention being paid to the internal baffles on the two side tanks and the firefighter’s brake mechanism that runs through the tank. This part of the design is proving rather difficult as none of original drawings are available, so reference is being made to drawings of tanks on J72s, which was another Wilson Worsdell design.

Main Line Steam Builders Group Update

On 17th August, a meeting was held at CTL Seal, Sheffield when Giles Turner from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) explained the process for bringing steam into use on the mainline network, and the procedure for submission of Certification and Registration documentation for a new locomotive.

The process is designed to provide confidence that the safety risks are being managed correctly. The group also agreed to share technical and engineering information, with the first step being to share supplier lists for major components and experience with suppliers.

The group’s 2023 Annual Conference will be held on Saturday, 13th May at the Bannatyne Hotel in Darlington when guests will be able to view the locomotive. The unit will also re-open for viewing of the locomotive in March.

The group is always looking for donations. There are always opportunities to join as a Superfriend or contribute to the “Get Connected fund”, which has raised about £9,000 to fund the forgings for the connecting rods and straps from Somers Forge Ltd. It is estimated that these will cost around £25,000 for their forging and machining and further donations are welcome, with a suggested contribution to the fund of £180, or more, either as a one-off payment or instalments through a standing order.

Contributions to the fund can be made as a donation or taken as shares in the company (welcoming 30% tax relief to UK taxpayers). Full details are on the Construction Funding page on the website at g5locomotiveltd.co.uk, the Facebook page at Class G5 Locomotive Company Limited.