VULCAN READY FOR TAKE-OFF: TYNESIDE’S BAGNALL IS BACK
Easter debut planned for ‘high-tech’ 0-6-0ST after more than ten years out of action.
Good Friday will be an auspicious day at the North Tyneside Steam Railway as Bagnall 0-6-0ST No. 401 returns to traffic after over a decade on the sidelines.
Volunteers at the Percy Mainbased line have been engaged in a last-minute dash to bring the 1950-built locomotive (Works No. 2994) back together after unexpectedly having to strip the boiler for a further nondestructive test. This took place on March 11, and by March 29 the locomotive had passed its insurance examination.
At the time of writing No. 401 had undertaken several light engine runs, including stints of 20 miles, with ‘no issues so far’. This was undoubtedly assisted by the fact that the locomotive has roller bearings, avoiding the
familiar problems with bedding in traditional plain bearings with which most steam locomotives have to contend.
A full return to traffic for the exSteel Company of Wales locomotive was due to take place over the Easter weekend. The Stafford-built locomotive last worked in 2008.
The current overhaul has included extensive boiler work at the North Norfolk Railway, as well as chassis work carried out at North Tyneside. The wheelsets were also sent away for machining.
The huge Bagnall machines with outside Walschaerts valve gear, a rocking grate and all ‘mod cons’ are widely considered to be the pinnacle of industrial steam locomotive development. Both Nos. 401 and 403 were early motive power on the West Somerset Railway after a spell with British Leyland at Longbridge.
During their time at Longbridge the pair picked up their well-known names of Vulcan (No. 401) and Victor (No. 403, Works No. 2996). The latter returned to steam during 2015 at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway after many years out of traffic and numerous homes. A third example, Works No. 2995, was scrapped after being sold into NCB service.