King Edward I steams in Somerset – with an eye on returning to the main line
A GWR King 4-6-0 may soon be back on the main line following the successful in-frames steam test of No. 6024 King Edward I at the West Somerset Railway’s Minehead works on August 4.
Built in June 1930, the King last steamed in April 2012, after which work commenced in earnest on its latest overhaul. The boiler was sent to Ian Riley’s workshops for contract work to be undertaken along with the wheelsets; the driving wheels also paid a visit to the South Devon Railway for re-tyring and turning at Buckfastleigh.
New cylinders were required, but more recently various heavily worn brake components, including the hangers and main brake shaft, have been rebushed and new bronze bearings fitted to the latter.
On Thursday, August 4, the fire was lit and boiler brought up to pressure, with the result being the announcement of it passing its steam test and the overhaul moving into the final stages.
It comes nearly three years after the hydraulic and out-of-frames steam test were undertaken in November 2019.
“The cold and hot steam tests were passed with flying colours,” said 6024 Preservation Society Ltd press officer Dave Fuszard. “There is still work to be done on the electrics and the finishing touches to the air-braking system.”
Built at Swindon Works, No. 6024 was allocated to Plymouth Laira for most of its working life, transferring to Old Oak Common in March 1959 and finally Cardiff Canton in 1962, from where it was withdrawn during that year. It was originally set to go for scrapping at Briton Ferry at Neath, but the class was not allowed West of Cardiff and so it ended up at Woodham’s in Barry, from where it was saved in 1974.
A target for completion has been set for the autumn. Plans for running-in had yet to be announced as we went to press; though No. 6024 will be available for main line charters, no outings had been confirmed either.