Double-headed ‘Castles’ are go as 5043 returns to steam
AFTER YEARS of anticipation, the prospect of seeing double-headed double-chimney ‘Castles’ on the main line will become reality this year, following the return to steam of No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe.
Last steamed in September 2018, the Tyseley-based Collett 4-6-0 underwent initial test runs within Tyseley Locomotive Works’ yard on February 11, and received its statement of vehicle conformity – which confirms its suitability for the national network – on February 14.
A planned earlier return to steam for No. 5043 was delayed in summer 2021 when its superheater header was needed to replace the one on stablemate No. 7029
Clun Castle, which had developed a hole.
Earl of Mount Edgcumbe was expected to undergo a light engine test run to Stratford-upon-Avon on February 24, while a loaded Empty Coaching Stock run to Leicester has been requested. Providing these tests don’t reveal any unexpected problems, No. 5043 is set to make its passenger-carrying debut on March 4, when it doubleheads Vintage Trains’ CBS shareholders train with Clun Castle from Birmingham to
Didcot for Didcot Railway Centre’s ‘Four Castles’ event, which will also feature Nos. 4079 Pendennis Castle
and 5051 Drysllwyn Castle.
Earl of Mount Edgcumbe’s
first public railtour will be on March 18, when it and Clun Castle traverse the infamous Lickey Incline with a pair of circular railtours. However, the highlight of No. 5043’s 2023 main line programme will be double-heading with Clun Castle for the ‘Castle Centenarian’ on May 18.
● Tickets are still available for Clun Castle’s ‘Cumbrian Mountain Express’ trip over the Settle-Carlisle line April 22.