Jacks Green unveiled in original livery at Wansford
THENeneValleyRailway’s ( NVR) Small Loco Group( SLG) has completedthe cosmetic restoration ofHunslet 0- 6- 0ST JacksGreen.
Unveiled at Wansford on July 18, the 1939- built locomotivewill now take pride of place on display at the station sporting its original livery.
Nassington Ironstone quarries, where it spent its working life, were situated just three miles to the west ofWansford. Jacks Green and its sister engine Ring Haw, nowbased on the North Norfolk Railway, were the last two remaining steam locomotives in ironstone quarry use in England when the quarries were closed in1970. Jacks Green last steamed in 1987.
As part of the cosmetic restoration, new sections of firebox cladding have beenwelded in, the bottom of the bunker inside the cab has been replaced and a new lower section has been made for the smokebox.
Discovery
ForSLGvolunteer Joe Fitzjohn, the restoration has also uncoveredasmall pieceof family history.“Whenthis locomotivewas overhauled by the apprentices of PeterBrotherhoodLtd during 1976- 1977, myfatherwasan apprenticethere,” saidJoe.“Heworkedon both JacksGreenandCityofPeterborough – hedidalot ofweldingon the locomotives.
“When we in the SLGopened the smokebox door on Jacks Green, after we’d shovelled the remaining ash from when it last ran, I was delighted to find twonames scrawled into the concrete in the smokebox base – one of which wasmy dad’s.
“In some ways, the discovery has cementedmy family’s relationship with the engine – and yes, I did tell dad I’dgot concrete evidence!”
SLGvolunteers are now eager to start their next project – Hudswell Clarke 0- 6- 0ST DerekCrouch. Stripping is expected tobegin soon.“A key part of this project is advancing the railway’s skillset,” explained Nathan Wilson, who heads up the SLG.
“We intend to repair the boiler inhouse. We’ve got the skills here – it’s a small boiler and we also know it’s in pretty good condition, so it shouldn’t need heavy work. It will prove invaluable in gaining confidencewith boiler work among volunteers.”
DerekCrouch is significant in the NVR’s history as it worked the first train along the line under the auspices of Peterborough Railway Society on April 7, 1974. It is hoped the locomotivewill be able to star in the 50th anniversary of NVR’s embryonic days run in 2024– which will also celebrate the engine’s centenary.
Turning to twoother NVR steam locomotive restoration projects, the valve gear on Danish F Class 0- 6- 0T No. 656 affectionately known as ‘ Tinkerbell’has been assembled to check tolerances and to ensure the valves are correctly set up. All valve gear has also been polished and some of it has been protectedwith varnish.
The boiler is coming along well at LocomotiveMaintenance Services in Loughborough and it is hoped it will return toWansford by November. It’s currently having new mudhole door pockets fitted. The tanks have been welded up where patches were cut in the back to allow internal cleaning and painting.
Flagship
The installation of the vacuumsystem is almost complete. Modifying the loco to be dual- braked as partof the current overhaulwill enhanceits versatility, allowingit tohaulboththeline’s rake of BRMk. 1sandContinental carriages.
Also progressing well is the overhaul of the NVR flagship, BR 5MT No. 73050 Cityof Peterborough.
Repairs to the rear drag box continue – the last main task outstanding on the frames. Wastage at the back has been removed and new sections inserted. The pins on the transverse stays at the bottom of the frames had rusted, so they’ve been removed, andnew pins and bushes have beenmade for them. Good progress continues to be made with painting the frames.
The cylinders have been rebored, while the driving wheels and front bogie are stored ready for refitting. Stripping of the 4- 6- 0’ s boiler, which is currently stored outside Wansford shed, is expected to commence shortly.
➜ Donations to theDerekCrouch projectcanbemadeatwww. justgiving. com/ crowdfunding/ derekcrouchoverhaulappeal or by post to: SmallLocoGroup, Nene ValleyRailway Ltd, WansfordStation, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LR.