70013: discussions with NRM ongoing

The National Railway Museum has pledged to keep Oliver Cromwell running on the main line, but has yet to finalise any agreement for another overhaul.

When Steam Railway enquired about future plans for the ‘Britannia’ in late November, the museum said: “As the discussion with both the 5305 Locomotive Association and Great Central Railway concerning the future of Oliver Cromwell and [‘King Arthur’] Sir Lamiel is still ongoing, it would not be appropriate to provide any further comment at this time.

“However, we can confirm that the NRM is committed to the preservation and care of both locomotives and to the continued, sustainable main line operation of Oliver Cromwell. We welcome proposals that will achieve these goals.”

Steam Railway further asked the NRM to determine whether that meant a tendering process had been initiated, in which a different organisation may take on custodianship.

The museum responded:

“As this concerns existing loan agreements, we are not undergoing a formal tendering process at this time.”

The locomotives’ custodian is 5305LA, which bases them at Loughborough on the GCR.

Sir Lamiel is currently out of ticket, while No. 70013 was due to be withdrawn on December 31, with both requiring boiler overhauls before they run again.

As reported in SR477, 5305LA has reinforced its commitment to the ongoing operation of the ‘7MT’.