This knight needs a new petticoat!
THE Great Central Railway-based 5305 Locomotive Association has launched a £2000 appeal to buy a new petticoat for SR N15 4-6-0 No. 30777 Sir Lamiel, which is being overhauled at Loughborough with the aim of returning it to steam in 2023. The petticoat, the component which forms part of the smokebox furniture at the front end of the boiler to aid steaming, has now reached the end of its life due to the wastage through years of exposure to hot gases, steam and ash.
The appeal, launched in mid-July, has raised nearly £250 as we closed for press. A statement from the association said: “The sooner we can raise our appeal target of £2000, the sooner we can place the order for this vital component and another step towards the completion of Sir Lamiel’s overhaul can be reached.”
Part of the National Collection but in the association’s care, Sir Lamiel is the sole-surviving member of the King Arthur class. Withdrawn in 2017, it is being overhauled to main line standards.
➜ To donate to the appeal online, visit www.facebook. com/donate/448630503484603 Alternatively, you can support the locomotive’s overhaul by becoming a member of the Knights of the Round Table by visiting the web pages www. sirlamiel.org.uk and www.5305la.org. uk