Lion replica build beckons as project hits phase two
But mooted replica of Liverpool & Manchester 0‑2‑2 Northumbrian has been dropped.
Construction of a replica Liverpool & Manchester Railway Lion could begin within the next 12 months, now the project to replicate the Titfield Thunderbolt star has abandoned its plan to build a new Northumbrian.
Having identified a new
Lion as being a more viable candidate than Stephenson 0‑2‑2 Northumbrian – which hauled the inaugural L&M train – the past and present members of the team behind the 1992‑built replica of 1830 Robert Stephenson‑designed 2‑2‑0 Planet hope “to be able to cut some metal for the tender or the frames within 12 months,”
said railway historian and project co‑founder Anthony Dawson.
The move to build a replica of Lion – the only surviving locomotive built specifically for the L&M – could gain greater impetus as Mr Dawson believes that there is “reasonable doubt” over the original Lion’s authenticity (SR491).
“Phase One of the project was to identify an early locomotive which could be replicated. Having whittled the list down to Northumbrian or Lion, we collected as much data about the two locomotives as possible and the feasibility of building a working replica. We also approached railways, to whom we would be hiring out our locomotive and coaches, to find out what their ideal historic locomotive would be: the answer was ‘something like Furness Railway No. 20’, as that can pull a reasonable load in revenue‑earning service.
“Thus, Northumbrian was considered not to be a viable candidate as it would be too underpowered; it would be forever mistaken for Rocket and wasn’t well‑known by the average enthusiast, while Lion – alias ‘Thunderbolt’ – is still well‑known and popular. Lion also has greater tractive effort and most of the design work carried out for Planet would be applicable.”
The project has now entered Phase Two, which involves collecting engineering drawings for the locomotive and tender, and modifying them “in light of experience of operating Planet as well as redesign to suit Lion – it’s not just a case of stretching Planet by a few feet,” said Mr Dawson.
“This process also involves the design of the boiler and crank axle, as well as the type of brake gear to be fitted to the locomotive. We have decided to fit vacuum brakes and a steam brake; while this means a substantial redesign of the tender to create space for a vacuum cylinder, it means the locomotive is not restricted in terms of stock it can pull, or its range.
“Phase Three will be the fund‑raising and building of the locomotive. We are currently receiving quotes for the boiler, crank axle and wheels so we can get a fund‑raising target and start fund‑raising and sponsorship in earnest.”
In addition to building a replica Lion, the project team also plan to create a rake of suitable carriages to run with it, potentially using second‑hand mineral wagons for the underframes.
NorthumbriaN WaS coNSidErEd Not to bE a viablE caNdidatE aS it Would bE too uNdErpoWErEd Anthony DAwson, project co-founDer