Bluebell’s H class bows out of service
THE Bluebell Railway’s South Eastern & Chatham Railway H class 0-4-4T No. 263 bowed out in style on February 13 when its 10-year boiler certificate expired after its last regular day in service for some time. The fire was thrown out at Sheffield Park and the locomotive was put to bed in the yard.
It had a boiler washout in preparation for its next overhaul, which could begin after the current workshop load is cleared, possibly in the autumn. In the meantime it will be mothballed and hopefully stored somewhere undercover, but covered accommodation is at a premium on the Bluebell.
Despite its age, No. 263 has been a strong and reliable performer. It has been used on footplate experience courses and was popular with the crews, especially when it was raining due to its enclosed cab. Designed by Harry Wainwright, the class was built for suburban and secondary passenger workings. There were 66 in total, with No. 263 built in 1905 at Ashford Works.
Decades-long career
During its time on BR, its power classification was 1P. Carrying the number 31263, it was withdrawn from service in 1964 after running an estimated 1.85 million miles in its 59-year main line career. No. 263 was no stranger to the area running on rural branch lines in Sussex. It ended its days running between East Grinstead and Three Bridges.
Bought directly from BR by the H-Class Trust in 1964, it was initially stored at Robertsbridge and then Ashford. In 1975 it moved to its more appropriate present home on the Bluebell and ran its first period of services between 1976 and 1982.
Two overhauls have since taken place on the Bluebell since then, the first in the late 1980s, when it returned to traffic in 1991 after the entire rear section of the frames were replaced. It ran until 1997.
In 2008, ownership was transferred to the Bluebell Railway Trust, which funded the 2009-2012 overhaul.
It is planned that 263 should receive a rapid overhaul in view of the generally good condition of the boiler and recent significant mechanical work. The overhaul will be partially funded from a legacy left by Ray Tanner specifically for work on this locomotive and the trust.
Parts refresh
It will require the customary boiler lift and tube replacement and the smokebox needs replacing, as well as some boiler fittings. It has the original tanks and it is hoped that these will be reusable.
The supports for the firebox crowns date from its BR days and will need a thorough examination and possible replacement before another period in traffic.
No.263 needs new tyres, which have been ordered from South Africa, and the wheel sets will go to the South Devon Railway for works. The leading drivers; springs need replacing.
Provided there are no serious problems with the working fleet, the overhaul could take about a year to complete.
➜ If you want to help speed up No. 263’s return to steam, the Bluebell Railway Trust welcomes donations through its website at www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/ bluebell/trust/