Bonnie Dundee back in action at the seaside!
A POPULAR 15in gauge locomotive has returned to steam at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway (CCLR) after being out of action for 16 years.
Bonnie Dundee, on long-term loan from the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Co.Ltd (RER), was built by Kerr Stuart in 1901 to operate at Dundee Gasworks.
Originally 2ft gauge, the locomotive was saved by preservationist Ian Fraser in the 1960s. After moving to the RER, it was rebuilt to 15in gauge and spent many years operating at Ravenglass before being taken out of use due to requiring extensive repairs.
In 2016, negotiations commenced between the CCLR and RER. It was agreed that in return for a long-term loan, the CCLR would fully fund the 0-4-2's extensive overhaul. In addition to a full mechanical refurbishment, the work by John Fowler Engineering of Bouth has included a new smokebox and the reinstatement of the original Stephenson valve gear in place of the reversed Southern type.
Suitability
The CCLR's John Kerr said: “It was the perfect opportunity for all parties. Bonnie Dundee will suit our line extremely well and will delight our passengers for many years to come.
“It's wonderful to have Bonnie Dundee with us and we cannot wait to have it pulling trains this summer and beyond.”
Stuart Ross, of the RER, added:
“It is really splendid to see Bonnie Dundee back in operation – it's a popular locomotive and has a strong following. The partnership with Cleethorpes will mean the locomotive will fly the Ravenglass flag to a new circle of people, no doubt making many new friends on the way.”
Bonnie Dundee is due to be used on selected days throughout the summer. Other locomotives on the CCLR roster include Sandy River 2-6-2 No. 24, which is in its last year before 10-year overhaul, ex-Fairbourne Railway 0-6-0 diesel Rachel, and LNER O4 2-8-0 No. 6284.
After a spell on loan from the Longleat Railway, steam outline 0-8-2DH Ceawlin has now been bought by the CCLR. Now known as No. 5, plans are afoot to rename the locomotive. CCLR services are operating daily.