Will14XX to return to steam for South Devon's 150th anniversary in 2022?
POPULAR GWR 14XX No. 1420 could return to steam for the South Devon Railway's 150th anniversary year in 2022, it is hoped.
The Collett 0-4-2T, owned by the SDR Association, is undergoing a heavy overhaul in the line's Buckfastleigh workshops, having last steamed in 2006 when it was stopped with a leaking firebox foundation ring.
The overhaul has been boosted by a £5000 grant from the Veronica Awdry Charitable Trust towards the cost of new boiler stays. Veronica is the daughter of the late Reverend W. Awdry, author of the Thomas the Tank Engine books, in which a 14XX featured as Oliver. Her trust regularly donates royalty funds to heritage railway projects.
Last year, the National Lottery Heritage Fund made a £22,180 grant towards the cost of new firebox platework and a replacement foundation ring for No. 1420.
There is still a great deal of work to be done on the boiler, including the fitting of a new barrel, tubeplate, and drilling the firebox for new stays.
While the frames and wheels have been reassembled, the valves, pistons and motion still need to be overhauled, and new side tanks have to be constructed.
The SDR would welcome further donations to help complete the work.