Gasworks kerr, stuart in line for return to steam at Beamish
Beamish is exploring the possibility of returning ex‑Dundee Gasworks Kerr, Stuart 0‑4‑0WT Works No. 721 to steam for the first time in preservation.
On long‑term loan to Beamish from the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum since late 2016, the 1901‑built locomotive’s boiler has been lifted from the frames for assessment.
“If it is reasonable and repairable, we will make an approach to the locomotive’s owners to see if they are amenable to a proposal for a return to steam and loan extension,” said Beamish assistant director Paul Jarman. “If it requires too much work, we will reassemble it and return it to display,” he added.
Mr Jarman said a decision on whether No. 721 can return to steam will probably be made in February or March, but there is currently no timescale for when it would be restored nor any estimates for how much its restoration would cost.
He added: “It would also have to fit around several other projects that are under way, not least the mechanical overhaul of the ‘Steam Elephant’. After this will be the steamroller, while parallel to it is the bogie overhaul of Gateshead Tram No. 10. In 2021, we will have the Lewin to overhaul, and so it goes on.”
Two‑foot gauge No. 721 is one of only two surviving ex‑Dundee Gasworks Kerr, Stuarts, the other being Works No. 720 ‘Bonnie Dundee’, which has been heavily rebuilt and re‑gauged as a 15in gauge 0‑4‑2. It is currently under overhaul at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway. As Beamish boasts both 2ft and 15in gauge railways, Mr Jarman said: “There is the prospect of reuniting the pair at Beamish in the future!”