The 5305 Locomotive Association has sent RailAdvent an update on the work to overhaul SR N15 No. 777 Sir Lamiel.

Whilst coronavirus restrictions have affected progress, work has continued with the locomotive’s overhaul.

The target is currently to have Sir Lamiel back in working order in time to celebrate its 100th Birthday in 2025. Once returned to steam, 777 Sir Lamiel will be based at the Great Central Railway but will be overhauled to a mainline standard.

In 2020, the 5305 Locomotive Association launched its Knights of the Round Table appeal to raise £80,000 to fund the overhaul.

Initial work started in 2020, with the boiler being lifted from the frames in October 2021.

The internal boiler surfaces have been cleaned up, with the cladding being removed.

Good news has come recently in that the boiler inspector has completed his examination, and the assessment of work needed has been confirmed. No major issues have been found and means the group can push forward with 777’s overhaul.

Work on the tender is continuing. All of the brake gear has been removed, cleaned and painted and is now in storage. Preparation work is taking place to lift the tender to allow the tender bogies to be examined and cleaned.

Back to the locomotive and the motion, pistons and valves have been removed. The cylinders require reboring and new liners fitting.

Work is already underway to prepare the inside of the locomotive’s frames for painting.

It is planned to lift the frames from the wheels in 2022.

With help from the Great Central Railway, the 5305 Locomotive Association has invested in two containers to make sure components are stored securely.

Interested in getting involved with the 5305 Locomotive Association? You can email [email protected]

Whilst news from the boiler inspector is good, the cost of the copper bar for the replacement stays and tubes will not be cheap. Want to help? You can donate via the Sir Lamiel website