Next steps for return of 44806 to ‘main line’
WORK ON the return of LMS Black Five 44806 to traffic has moved forward to the next phase, with the despatch of the boiler to Ian Riley’s Lancashire works for overhaul. When complete the loco will remain based at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and be main line certified to work to Whitby but not the rest of the national network.
Last steamed in 2018, in February 2020 the 4-6-0 was sold by the NYMR to Peter Best to guarantee its future. He financed its overhaul, undertaken in conjunction with NYMR engineers. Work started in October 2020 at Grosmont where the boiler was lifted, stripped of fittings and grit blasted to remove limescale and enable insurers British Engineering Services to report on the scope of the work needed. Ian Riley won the boiler overhaul contract and it was moved by rail to New Bridge for transportation to Lancashire. It is expected to return to the NYMR in 2023. Meanwhile, the chassis is being overhauled at Grosmont.