Bagnall almost ready to steam

High-tech Bagnall 0-6-0ST No. 401 is expected to steam at the North Tyneside Steam Railway in December after an extensive overhaul.

The 1953-built locomotive (Works No. 2994, originally named Vulcan) was reassembled in late October at the railway’s Percy Main base, the tank and cab being craned back into position. A new inner firebox, fitted at the North Norfolk Railway, was the key element of the overhaul.

Pipework, the cab floor and rear sandboxes are now being fitted to the former Steel Company of Wales and Austin Motors employee prior to a steam test. Weighing and running-in tests are expected shortly afterwards.

The huge machines, with outside Walschaerts valve gear and roller bearings, are considered to be the pinnacle of industrial steam development. Both Nos. 401 and 403 Victor (now at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway) previously ran on the West Somerset Railway.