£20,000 PARTS THEFT IS HUGE SETBACK FOR SADDLE TANK
Fittings for RSH 0-4-0ST stolen from Garw Valley shed.
Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns 0-4-0ST Works No. 7705 has been hit by a substantial parts theft at the Garw Valley Railway.
Most of the 1952-built locomotive’s fittings were stolen during a break-in at the line’s Pontycymer base in February. Both injectors, a clack valve, a gauge frame, the steam brake, sander and blower valves, vacuum ejector and vacuum gauge were taken.
One of the 14in-cylindered locomotive’s ‘Owen’ nameplates, together with four worksplates (two pairs), were also stolen.
It is estimated that the cost of replacement could run to £20,000. The locomotive’s owning group have appealed for information, but are also on the lookout for replacement parts. Mike Fox from the 7705 Group told Steam Railway that alternative components which could be adapted to fit would also be considered.
Work at Pontycymer is currently focused on the engine’s boiler, with a new front tubeplate having recently been fabricated. The boiler is expected to leave the site for additional work. Although the locomotive is not yet ready to receive the stolen boiler fittings, the group is worried that the theft could cause further delays.
The locomotive spent its entire commercial career at the Wiggins Teape paper mill at
Ely in Cardiff, which was connected to the GWR main line. It was dispatched from RSH on March 19 1952 and preserved in December 1973 at the Caerphilly Railway Society.
It has since spent time at the National Museum of Wales, Gwili Railway and the Vale of Glamorgan Railway, before the latter group relocated to the Garw Valley.