Work starts to overhaul Wadebridge for main line
WORK has commenced on an overhaul of the oldest surviving West Country 4-6-2, No. 34007 Wadebridge, at the MidHants Railway – with the ultimate aim of main line operation.
The air-smoothed Bulleid Pacific, turned out from Brighton Works in August 1945, is being dismantled at Ropley for a full assessment.
Its boiler has been stripped of its tubes and superheater flues, with initial indications being that it is in good condition, and a schedule of work is now being drawn up.
Its bogie has also gone on loan to rebuilt West Country No. 34028 Eddystone at the Swanage Railway while a crack in the latter engine's own bogie frame is repaired (see separate story).
Wadebridge last steamed at the Watercress Line when its previous boiler certificate expired in 2016, but has not run on the national network since it was withdrawn from BR service at Salisbury shed in October 1965.
It was rescued from Barry scrapyard by Wadebridge (34007) Locomotive Ltd in 1981 and initially went to the Plym Valley Railway, but its restoration was completed at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in 2006. It moved to the MHR the following year and has remained a resident since, with the MHR Preservation Society now joint owners of the locomotive with Wadebridge (34007) Locomotive Ltd.
This overhaul is taking place thanks to a generous donation from Swiss-based Bulleid enthusiast Alex Choremi, who also helped to fund the last overhaul of Battle of Britain No. 34081 92 Squadron at the Nene Valley Railway.
This donation means that most of the funding is in place for Wadebridge’s overhaul. It is anticipated that it could be back in steam in approximately three to four years, although Wadebridge (34007) Locomotive Ltd may need to appeal for further donations – particularly towards the electronic equipment (Train Protection & Warning System, On-Train Monitoring Recorder and a Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway radio) needed for main line operation.
Swanage suspended
At the same time, however, the overhaul of the youngest surviving Bulleid Light Pacific – West Country No. 34105 Swanage – has been placed on hold at the MHR. It is understood that, although the MHRPS also owns a significant share in this locomotive – estimated at 25% – work is under way to trace all the other shareholders.
The events of last year forced the railway to re-evaluate all its overhaul work. With Swanage needing a replacement middle cylinder – for which the pattern is already in store at Ropley – the Watercress Line does not wish to continue with the overhaul until the owners have been consulted.
Its frames have been rewheeled, with new air-smoothed casing fitted, and the overhaul of its boiler was well underway. It last steamed at the MHR in 1997.