‘J21’ WORK HELD UP UNTIL THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR IS FOUND
Trust dismayed by quality of tenders for restoration of unique surviving Worsdell locomotive.
The Locomotive Conservation & Learning Trust – owner of ‘J21’ No. 65033 – has expressed its frustration over the delay in starting the Worsdell 0-6-0’s restoration, owing to what it calls the “amateurish” approach from some of the contractors invited to tender for the job.
The trust had hoped to move the former Stainmore Route veteran from Locomotion, Shildon, by the end of January, after receiving the go-ahead from the Heritage Lottery Fund to begin restoration (SR488), and had expected to appoint a contractor to overhaul the 1889-built engine later that month.
However, LCLT Chairman Toby Watkins told Steam Railway: “We’ve been unable to select a contractor to overhaul the ‘J21’, and so instead of starting work, it continues to sit at Shildon.”
“It is disappointing to note that, while some contractors are extremely professional and have produced credible responses to our invitation to tender, there are others whose approach is somewhat more amateurish. As a result, we are extending our tender period and the ‘J21’ will have to sit at Shildon for a few more weeks.”
Mr Watkins remained tightlipped about which contractors had been approached to tender for the overhaul. However, he did reveal that work would take place in early March to remove asbestos from around the smokebox in order to make No. 65033 safe and legal for its impending road move.
Meanwhile, work continues apace to restore the LCLT’s NER bogie stores van No. 5523 at the trust base – and No. 65033’s future home – at Kirkby Stephen East. Mr Watkins said: “All the external planks are off and we’re cracking on with dowelling and refitting. Nearly £7,000 worth of wood has just been paid for and it won’t be long before the team starts fitting it.
“A project like this shows what a game-changer the Stainmore Railway Company’s new restoration shed is. We can crack on with a project like this during a Cumbrian winter and more antique rolling stock can be safely stored out of the weather; you really get a sense that Kirkby Stephen is about to hit the next level as a working railway and tourist attraction.”