EX-NRM NORTH STAFFS TANK COULD STEAM IN FOUR YEARS
Foxfield weighs up options for putting fragile Stoke-built locomotive back into working order.
Unique North Staffordshire Railway ‘New L’ 0-6-2T No. 2 could return to steam in four-six years’ time, as the Foxfield Railway begins to explore the potential for its restoration. The railway is currently focused on the restoration of unique inside cylinder Peckett 0-6-0ST Works No. 1567 Ackton Hall No. 3, but says that once that locomotive is well advanced, it will turn its attention to returning NSR No. 2 to working order. Foxfield director Dave Scragg says: “The project will gain momentum in two to three years; if funding can be gained, a two to three-year restoration is realistic. Project costs will be in the region of £300,000. “Funding has not been applied for at this stage, but as Ackton Hall No. 3 moves forward, thoughts will turn to [NSR No. 2].” The former North Staffordshire Railway locomotive was de-accessioned from the National Collection in April 2016, and has since remained in undercover storage at Foxfield, aside from brief outings during galas and special events. Describing No. 2’s mechanical condition, Mr Scragg says: “No. 2 – or more accurately the frames from No. 72 fitted with a Hunslet boiler and Walkden tanks, cab and cylinders – is in poor condition but certainly a prospect. In broad terms, the platework is in poor condition and requires replacement, raising the perennial preservation dilemma of how far to take a project. It requires replacement tyres and full mechanical overhaul; as ever the boiler is key but, with modern methods, quite restorable. “A surprising number of parts are missing. Very recently, the blastpipe assembly was located and is now safely at Foxfield. The fittings are not NSR but, as you would expect, Hunslet replacements. The lubrication system has many parts missing, but they’re a minor issue in the overall scheme of things.” Mr Scragg told Steam Railway that, once restored, the ‘New L’s’ main role would be as an ambassador for Foxfield on the hire circuit, but it would be in limited use on the Staffordshire line on charters. He also said that the locomotive would assume a number of identities and liveries once it has returned to steam: “Due to its parentage, the engine will spend periods as both Nos. 2 and 72, as well as carry two LMS numbers with two versions of the 1920s/30s livery, and finally it can also carry two Walkden identities to keep the locomotive’s appeal fresh.”