Back in black
To me, the Adams represents the quintessential British steam locomotive, with its straight lines, lack of obtrusive pipework, and graceful curves. Yet it has that subtle charm of having that rural backwater cachet, the demeanour of a maid-of-all-work locomotive – quite powerful, with its large cab and square spectacle windows, but just sufficient for a train on that branch line. With its unusual wheel arrangement, it stands out from the crowd.”
It’s hard to argue with Bluebell Railway Vice President Roy Watts’ assessment of his favourite engine: the Adams ‘Radial’. You will have already seen this former star of the Lyme Regis branch restored to pristine, showroom condition on the front cover of this issue – ready to take a starring role in this month’s reunion of LSWR-design locomotives at the Sussex line.
In one sense, repainting a ‘dead’ engine is unremarkable. But through Heritage Painting’s expert treatment of No. 30583, the Bluebell has ‘reinvented’ the ‘Radial’ and returned it to front-line prominence.
Sixteen years ago, Steam Railway did something similar with another pre-Grouping favourite engine that had been lurking in the shadows for a long time – the ‘J21’ at Beamish. That repaint – and the famous meeting with its Worsdell sister, ‘J15’ No. 65462, had a real galvanising effect among enthusiasts that ultimately started the North Eastern engine back on the path towards restoration – and working order.
The ‘Radial’ was originally set to play second fiddle to the Beattie well tank and Isle of Wight ‘O2’ at the Bluebell’s ‘Branch Line Weekend’. Now it will be a star of the show.
If there is a similarly strong reaction to the ‘Radial’s’ refresh, then the calls to go beyond just a cosmetic restoration will grow louder…
BR black isn’t everyone’s first choice – no livery or era ever is. But what’s important is that this delightful locomotive, with its unique history, is in the best external condition that it has been for decades. And as it’s our 40th anniversary year, we hope that it is a birthday present you’ll enjoy.
On that note, we would like to thank everyone at the Bluebell who gave their blessings to our idea of revitalising the ‘Radial’ – and to the small team at Heritage Painting, who worked wonders and in freezing conditions, to produce such a high-quality finish. ●● We’re also pleased to report that
Steam Railway has recorded a third readership increase in as many years, in what is an increasingly challenging magazine industry. If you are an existing reader, thank you for your support. And if you’re new to the magazine, welcome to the club – we hope you enjoy the journey!
“WHAT’S IMPORTANT IS THAT THIS DELIGHTFUL LOCOMOTIVE, WITH ITS UNIQUE HISTORY, IS IN THE BEST EXTERNAL CONDITION THAT IT HAS BEEN FOR DECADES”