Bulleids on the move in Southern Locomotives merry-go-round…

PACIFICS from the Southern Locomotives Ltd (SLL) fleet were on the move during December as the Bulleid-designed locomotives entered or left Herston Works to proceed with the next stages of their respective overhauls.

On December 14 the rolling chassis belonging to ‘West Country’ No. 34028 Eddystone returned to Herston following overhaul at Tyseley Locomotive Works – the return low-loader taking ‘Battle of Britain’ No. 34070 Manston to Tyseley for its own overhaul to begin.

Since arriving in the Midlands in 2016 several SLL working parties have journeyed from all over the UK to assist with preparing the frames, bogie and pony truck for overhaul, ensuring the loco could be returned to Dorset before Christmas.

This was imperative if SLL is to complete the overhaul in 2018, with it just awaiting the return of the boiler from the South Devon Railway.

Read more in January’s issue of The RM – on sale now!

… as GWR 2-8-0s play musical chairs at Llangollen

THE Llangollen Railway (LR) went from having three GWR 2-8-0s in residence during November to just one at the start of January as heavy freight workhorses came and went in the matter of a few weeks.

Since October 9 the railway has been playing host to Cotswold Steam Preservation Ltd’s Churchward ‘28XX’ No. 2807 following its arrival from its home at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR).

The veteran 2-8-0 is no stranger to the LR having made its first moves there following the completion of its restoration in 2010.

After participating in the railway’s ‘Santa Special’ season, No. 2807 is expected to return to the GWSR on January 8 for winter maintenance.

No. 2807’s stay in Wales overlapped briefly with the final few weeks of classmate No. 2859’s residence at Llangollen prior to its departure to a new home.

Read more in January’s issue of The RM – on sale now!