New cab is under construction for ‘Highland Hiker’
A NEW cab is being built for ex-Barry LMS‘Black Five’No. 45163 at the Colne Valley Railway.
The driver’s side cab sheet is currently trial-fitted to the Stanier 4-6-0, while the fireman’s side is being drilled for rivets and bolts, using the original cab – which is too corroded to restore – as a pattern.
As many original parts as possible, including the window frames and handrails, are being re-used.
The locomotive is being restored to its early 1960s appearance following its last major overhaul at St Rollox Works in 1961, when it received its current domed boiler. However, finishing touches are needed for the former Scottish Region engine’s cab.
It is one of only two surviving ‘Black Fives’ – the other being No. 5025, recently overhauled at the Strathspey Railway – to have been allocated to the Highland main line, where the class were nicknamed ‘Hikers’. Here, it was fitted with a Manson single-line tablet catcher, the mounting point for which is visible on the old cab.
Later, when allocated to Carlisle Kingmoor, it received cabside brackets for the Bryson tablet catcher used on former Glasgow & South Western lines. Restoration group 45163 Ltd would be interested in obtaining examples of either system – contact 07891 545803.
It is hoped to re-wheel the locomotive in 2022; its front bogie is complete and its driving axlebox underkeeps are being machined, after which the axleboxes will receive their whitemetal bearings.
In preparation for re-wheeling, the slidebars on the fireman’s side are being fitted, with those on the driver’s side already in place – though not without some difficulty, as the driver’s side suffered apparent collision damage in BR days. This is thought to have occurred between 1961 and 1963, with one rumour suggesting that the engine fell into a turntable pit. The group would be interested to hear from any reader has further details.
Work on the other ex-Barry ‘Black Five’ at the CVR – No. 45293, owned by the British Enginemen Steam Preservation Society – is focused on the construction of a new smokebox. ➜ More details of both projects can be found at www.45163.co.uk and www.besps.org