North Norfolk Railway Class 31 emerges from overhaul
THE OVERHAUL of North Norfolk Railway-based Class 31, D5631 (31207), has been completed, with the resplendent locomotive making its debut in service at the railways Mixed Traffic Event on July 24/25.
The 31, which is owned by the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway Society, has been out of service for the last four-and-a-half years, having last seen use on the NNR during the 2016 operating season. Since then, it has been largely hidden from view in the workshops of North Norfolk Railway Engineering in Weybourne, where it has undergone extensive bodywork repairs to address serious corrosion.
Other work completed while the locomotive has been out of service has been the replacement of a traction motor and also extensive electrical works.
Another major element of the restoration has been the reinstatement of a steam heat generator. When 31207 was purchased its steam heat boiler had been removed and replaced with a concrete stability weight, but the decision was taken to reinstall a steam generator to increase the usefulness of the Class 31 throughout the year.
After removal of the concrete weight, a new water tank, steam generator and associated fittings were installed, and the bodyside steps to access the water tank have been reinstated, returning the appearance of the locomotive to as-built condition.
A poll of members resulted in the decision to repaint D5631 in BR green with small yellow warning panels. The Class 31 was initially purchased privately from EWS in early 2004 and was sold on to the M&GNS the following year.
The rejuvenated locomotive was launched back into service at the NNR Mixed Traffic Weekend and also hauled a private charter for Society members and invited guests during the event. A ceremony was also held, with the NNR’S chief mechanical engineer, Keith Ashford, handing over the locomotive to M&GNS chairman Neil Sharpe.