The Darjeeling Tank Locomotive Trust and the Statfold Barn Railway has signed a Cooperation Agreement which will see 19B based at the railway for the next 10 years.

Along with the agreement, the deal also sees Statfold carry out 19B’s overhaul, which is due to start imminently.

The overhaul will be aligned to the Conservation Management Plan, authored by DTLT Trustee Andy Savage.

It is unknown what condition the Victorian boiler is in, and this will only be established once an inspection is carried out – it does date back from 1889 afterall!

The agreement also covers how 19B is operated at Statfold, detailing how it is crewed, formed around the Ex-Beeches Light Railway team, and how it will conform to Statfold’s operating standards. This agreement also covers the plans for the locomotive’s tour to other railways.

It is hoped that 19B will be overhauled in time for the main 2024 operating season

Andy Savage said, “This sets out how we will care for 19B and respect her heritage going forward.”

DTLT Chairman, Jeremy Davey, said “It is an Agreement that we are all delighted with. Statfold have kindly agreed to carry out the overhaul in their superb workshops, something we’re all very excited about given the high standard of their work”.

Statfold founder Graham Lee commented, “I am delighted to have been able to offer 19B and the carriages a home and formally welcomed the operating crew and Trustees to Statfold at the signing. My engineering workshop team look forward to commencing 19B’s overhaul which we all hope will be straightforward with no major issues to be rectified.”

Mr Davey added “I can say that presently we know of no major causes for concern, but until we get it [the boiler] out of the frames, the tubes out, and our boiler inspector John Glaze (who has looked after it since it landed back in the UK in 2003) has had a good look, we won’t know for sure.”

‘Fuzz’ Jordan, Treasurer and Trustee said “This marks the end of the beginning phase made possible by donations, loans and covenants, and crucially, Graham Lee. 19B and the carriages’ future is now secured at an amazing railway. But we could always use more income to invest in 19B’s continuing operation post-overhaul and to start an overhaul fund for 2034.”