New tyres are fitted to Duke’s driving wheels
NEW tyres have been fitted to the driving wheelsets of BR Standard 8P 4-6-2
No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester.
The six new tyres were fitted at South Devon Railway Engineering, with the process being overseen by Rob Evans, the new general manager of the engineering business at Buckfastleigh following the retirement of Rob le Chevalier.
The wheelsets will now be returned for profiling at Tyseley Locomotive Works, where the Riddles Pacific is under overhaul for an expected return to the main line next year.
BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust chairman Trevor Tuckley said: “The trust and Tyseley are working towards completion for the middle of 2022.
“However, following both Brexit and Covid-19, materials and delivery times, along with costs, are very unpredictable. Like all such projects, the final lap is always the most difficult, so to that end the progress is under constant regular review to ensure we keep on top of it.”
As an incentive to supporters, the trust will invite all members to travel on the locomotive's first loaded main line test run for just £10. For details of the trust and how to join, visit www. theduke.uk.com or write to: The Duke, BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust, Aurora House, Deltic Avenue, Rooksley, Milton Keynes MK13 8LW.