‘Stainmore Survivor’s’ overhaul to start in 2017
The overhaul of unique NER ‘J21’ 0-6-0 No. 65033 is expected to commence next year, as the Heritage Lottery-funded bid to return it to steam on the Stainmore Route gathers pace. An initial inspection of the Worsdell 0-6-0 has confirmed that the condition of its boiler is not as bad as had been feared, and that the worst-case scenario - a complete replacement will not be required. It remains possible that an entirely new copper inner firebox may be needed, but this will not be confirmed until the engine has been stripped down. Awarded a Stage One pass in early 2015, the Locomotive Conservation & Learning Trust’s ‘Stainmore Survivor’ project will involve No. 65033 being based at Kirkby Stephen East station, on its former stamping ground of the DarlingtonTebay line, and now home to today’s Stainmore Railway Company. Included in the HLF bid is the restoration of the LCLT’s unique 1902-built NER stores van No. 5523, to act as a museum telling the ‘J21’s’ history, and the two groups have also collaborated in the ‘World of Water’ project to rebuild an NER water tower and crane at the station. Project Coordinator Toby Watkins said: “The ‘Stainmore Survivor’ name was apt because it reflects No. 65033’s home, and the fact that it came very close to being scrapped on two occasions, in 1939 and again in 1962. “The next few years promise to be exciting ones, as the LCLT and SRC work together to make Kirkby Stephen East a mecca for NER enthusiasts.” Several railways have already expressed an interest in hiring the locomotive, and a return visit to the National Railway Museum’s ‘Locomotion’ outpost at Shildon - where it received an assessment and cosmetic repaint this summer - is planned. Said Mr Watkins: “The LCLT is extremely grateful to the NRM for all its help over the past five years, and Shildon has been a crucial part in No. 65033’s story, so we’d be delighted to take her back there at some point.” The trust now aims to raise an additional £30,000 to provide the required match-funding for the lottery bid, which will be in excess of £900,000. Details of the fundraising scheme can be found at the group’s new website, www. lclt.org.uk