Sulzer success stories – north and south

TWO separate preservation efforts involving Sulzer-powered diesel locos recently passed major milestones. In Scotland, the Waverley Route Heritage Association successfully started the engine of No. 26040 in early April. The image (right) shows the moment the loco came back to life for the first time in 17 years at the WRHA’s base at Whitrope, where a 1km running line heads south towards Riccarton Junction. Nearby are ‘Pacers’ Nos. 142019+142020 and (out of shot) Railbus

No. RB004. The Sulzer engine is in good mechanical order and the restart has invigorated the team intent on fully restoring the loco.

Meanwhile, at Eastleigh, the 71A Locomotive Group has completed the full overhaul, including rebuilds of both cabs, of ‘Crompton’ No. 33012

Lt Jenny Lewis RN. Significant work was required to replace fatigued metal and the bulk was carried out by a small group of volunteers. Heavy structural repairs, as well as repainting, were contracted to Arlington Fleet Services. Nevertheless, the project has so far cost around £50,000. The loco is seen (left) outside Eastleigh Works on April 9.

To support further work on either/both locos visit: wrha.org.uk and www.71alocogroup.co.uk