GRESLEY DUO ‘COMEBACK’ FOR 2021? OVERHAUL FOR FAILED ‘N2’

Unique Great Northern Railway ‘N2’ No. 1744 fell at the final hurdle during its last day in service prior to the expiry of its boiler ticket, being withdrawn ‘early’ owing to a leaking foundation ring.

Based at the North Norfolk Railway, the Gresley Societyowned 0-6-2T bowed out on November 21, when it hauled the Gresley ‘Quad-Art’ set for a photographic charter (see p40). The day was cut short when, after lunch, “a torrent of water was found emanating from the foundation ring,” said society trustee and Public Relations Officer Ian MacCabe. “It had decided to give up on its very last planned trip, so with only a few hours left before its official withdrawal, it seemed as though the old girl decided that she had just had enough.”

The locomotive is now being dismantled in preparation for its overhaul. Mr MacCabe said: “Once the successful contractors are nominated, the frames will be completely stripped so that nondestructive testing of all the major components can take place, any necessary renewals can be done and certification completed.

“By this time, we shall have a reasonable idea of costs, but through teamwork by the Locomotive Committee and the sales team we believe that we have sufficient funds to complete whatever is required.”

Despite not doing any main line running before the expiry of its boiler ticket, the society has reaffirmed its intention to take the ‘N2’ onto the national network during its next stint of operation (SR462). Mr MacCabe said:

“All the equipment for main line running has been procured and test-fitted ready for the planned completion date. This plan will ensure plenty of time for running-in and for testing the main line gear on the Cromer dining trains.”

The society hopes to have No. 1744 back in steam in 2021 for the engine’s 100th anniversary; the same year that new ‘P2’

No. 2007 is slated for completion.