The Bluebell Railway in Sussex has announced that 32424 ‘Beachy Head’ has passed its boiler test and made some movements around the yard.

‘Beachy Head’ is a new locomotive in Southern Railway/British Railway condition. The Bluebell Atlantic Group is overseeing the project.

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The loco is an H2 Atlantic, and the project to build it began in earnest when a GNR Atlantic boiler became available in 2000.

In 2019, the new loco passed its hydraulic test, and by summer 2021, various components had been added, and the tender was nearly complete.

The Railway described the loco’s movement, which took place on Thursday, as an “incredible moment for everyone involved”.

The next step is further testing, which has to be successfully completed before it enters service.

More information can be found over on the Bluebell Railway website

Congratulations to everyone involved in making this a reality and a huge thank you to Neil Glaskin for sharing this moment with us!

The Bluebell Railway