80104 heads to Tyseley for overhaul
SOUTHERN Locomotives Ltd has sent its BR 4MT 2-6-4T No. 80104 to Tyseley Locomotive Works for a contract overhaul.
As reported in issues 281 and 284, the Riddles locomotive was withdrawn from service at the Swanage Railway on May 11 with the expiry of its 10-year boiler certificate but an appeal for an initial £50,000 to start the overhaul brought only a modest response, leaving a shortfall of £45,000.
However, SLL has come to an arrangement with the heritage line which will allow the work to go ahead, with the aim of returning the locomotive to service in 2023.
A supporter of both organisations has agreed to loan a further substantial sum towards the overhaul, which it is estimated will cost £220,000 in total, but further donations, or applications for SLL shares, will be welcomed.
These can be sent to Southern Locomotives at 16 Arcadia Road, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent DA13 9EH, or to Barclays Bank account name ‘Southern Locomotives Ltd', account number 90435678, sort code 20-90-56 (please contact southernlocos@ btinternet.com when transfers are made).