The Bluebell Railway‘s Awake the Giant project has issued its latest update on the progress to restore Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No. 92240.

The locomotive returned to Sheffield Park on the Bluebell Railway last December, and at the start of this year, the first working party started work on the tender, with the first task being to remove algae and lightly rub down the tender sides by applying an etched primer to any areas of exposed metal. The lockers in the cab also received the same treatment.

A second point of access has also been made into the water tank to aid the removal of dust, rust and water scale from the tank.

Last month, 92240 was moved undercover for the first time in many years so that the locomotive could dry out and further clearing of the water tank could take place to prepare it for rubbing down.

The tank is in very good condition, so to ensure the tank is fit for purpose for the foreseeable future with only minimal work required, the project is working with the specialist paint company that worked with Clan Line.

On the tender, the coal space has been completely cleaned out and is ready for wire brushing and its first coat of protective paint. At the front of the coal space are two drains cocks, one completely blocked with coal dust that the team is trying to clear to get it back into operation.

On the outside of the locomotive, all running plate bolts have been loosened, greased and refitted, which will reduce the amount of time needed to remove the cladding.

The project is being helped by the Bluebell Railway’s 9F club, have been rubbing down and cleaning the footplate steps.

To help fund the restoration of 92240, as well as monthly direct debits that provide a steady flow of income, the team has a range of merchandise range including bottle openers, pens, t-shirts, mugs, and hoodies.

This year the project will be publicising its work at major events including Flying Scotsman’s visit, Bluebell on Parade, Branch Line Gala, Road Meets Rail, Steam Fair, and many others.

If anyone would like to be involved with the project, either by joining the team, signing up to monthly donations, or supporting the overhaul and restoration of 92240, then send your contact details and your interest to Andy Taylor at [email protected] or [email protected].

Besides working on the locomotive, the team welcomes volunteers to work on the stall and to promote the project around the railway.

For the third year running, there is an Awake the Giant photography competition with categories for all ages:

• ‘Bluebell at its Best’ – any photo of the Bluebell (under 16);
• ‘Bluebell in Bloom’ – any photo of Bluebell’s home fleet (over 16s);
• ‘Visitors and Galas’ – any photo representing visiting locomotives and galas at the Bluebell (all age groups);
• ‘Flying Scotsman Flies South’ – Flying Scotsman at the Bluebell Railway 2023 (all age groups).

All details are on the ‘Awake the Giant’ page on the Bluebell Railway’s website. The competition opens on the opening day of the ‘Branch Line Gala’ and closes on 1st December, with winners being announced in January 2024.

There are plans for a new publication about 92240, and if anyone has any materials relating to 92240 at Barry, its arrival at the Bluebell Railway, or its working days and is willing to add them to the archive and publication, please contact Tom N at [email protected].