Danish tank heads towards the home straight – after 36 years out of traffic
THE Nene Valley Railway is set to welcome to its operational pool this season a steam locomotive that has not run for 36 years.
Danish F class 0-6-0T No. 656 last steamed in 1986. Work to return the locomotive to traffic is progressing well at the line’s Wansford works.
The fireman’s side (left) tank was refitted on January 12, the driver’s side following four days later – great care being taken not to damage the freshly painted boiler cladding. The cab was reattached on January 23.
The tanks are now in the process of having all the internal and external fixings fitted. In contrast to UK sizes which typically measure 2-3in in diameter, the under-cab water tank balance pipes are about 6in on No. 656.
The reversing lever has been fitted and tested. All final top coating will be started when the temperature improves.
Built in 1949 by Frichs, Aarhus, No. 656 is one of 13 survivors of the 120-strong F class – the oldest of which dates from 1899. No. 656 was secured for preservation from Aarhus depot in 1975 and transported to Peterborough.
First steamed in Britain in 1976, it entered regular service following the formal opening of the NVR in 1977. Withdrawn in 1986 with a failed firebox, the 0-6-0T spent the next 16 years in store awaiting overhaul. The locomotive was donated to the NVR in 2004 by John Snasdell, and dismantling for overhaul got underway during the winter of 2003/4.
Meanwhile, Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T (No. 1800 of 1947) Thomas is currently in the works for boiler repairs. Following the removal of the tubes, a full inspection of the boiler and firebox is to be carried out – after which it will be decided whether to fit a new set of tubes or to undertake a full boiler overhaul, restarting the 10-year ticket.
Polish Tkp 0-8-0T No. 5485 and Bulleid Battle of Britain light Pacific No. 34081 92 Squadron are both available for traffic. The Battle of Britain Locomotive Society, which owns No. 34081, has agreed a further five-year hire period with the NVR.
Operational main line diesel traction includes Class 14 No. D9529 and Class 45 ‘Peak’ No. 45041 Royal Tank Regiment, plus Swedish Y7 railbus No. 1212 Helga.