As part of its major overhaul, the 4-6-0 B1 class, No. 61264, is to have a new tender tank built.

The new design will allow the locomotive to be fitted with the European Train Control System (ETCS).

ECTS is being introduced on the East Coast Mainline as part of the East Coast Digital Programme, along the route which was very familiar to 61264 in the days of steam.

As well as making the B1-class compatible with ECTS, the new tender tank will include a number of other refinements aimed at improving its functionality for crews.

These include extending a diagonal plate to avoid the build-up of coal which is difficult to retrieve.

This presents a particular problem when 61264 is operating on mainlines, where the overhead live wires prevent crew members from going into the coal space to rake it out.

A manhole-like feature in the floor of the tank will also be included, to allow easier access when maintenance work and inspections are being carried out.

Storage and cupboard space have also been improved to keep essential kit secure and out of the way.

Despite these many modernising changes, the tender will still look the same from the outside and the locomotive’s appearance will not be altered.

61264 is not the first steam locomotive to be adapted for ECTS. Work is continuing to install the system on A1 Class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado.

The new tender tank is just part of an extensive range of tasks being carried out on the Thompson B1, which will also include building a new inner firebox and replacing the locomotive’s tyres.

This work is being carried out at the Great Central Railway in Nottingham, not far from where 61264 was based from 1960 until being withdrawn in 1967.

The Thompson B1 Locomotive Trust, which owns 61264, has set up a crowdfunding appeal to cover the costs of the new tender tank.