82045 coULd SteaM In 2021 – BUt It Won’t Be on tHe MaIn LIne
BR ‘3MT’ No. 82045 could steam on the Severn Valley Railway in 2021 – but will not run on the main line at least until its next boiler certificate. Members of the 82045 Steam Locomotive Trust were asked for their opinions on taking the Riddles 2‑6‑2T onto the national network (SR481) – but of nearly 100 responses, the vote was 60/40 against going main line. Said Publicity Officer Chris Proudfoot: “The general opinion was that the engine was always intended to run on preserved lines, and that it would be a distraction – and dilute funds – to run it on the main line. “We’re not completely ruling it out – but it would be a case of looking at it again when the engine comes up for its first ‘heavy general’ overhaul.”
The ‘3MT’ is being built to main line standard, but would require inspection and certification to run on Network Rail, together with electronic equipment such as TPWS. In response to a request from the SVR, the trust is drawing up a detailed plan for the final stages of No. 82045’s construction – because, says Mr Proudfoot: “They want to have it in steam six months after the boiler is completed.” Bridgnorth works expects to start building the boiler during 2019 with an estimated timescale of 18 months. However, added
Mr Proudfoot, this will mean contracting out more work, for which an estimated £150,000‑200,000 will be needed. Donations can be sent to ‘Woodford’, School Bank, Norley, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 8JY. All No. 82045’s driving wheel springs are now in place, with the brake gear next in line for assembly, while the reverser has been mounted in the cab and the slidebars trial‑fitted.