GWR ‘Heavy Goods’ moves to Stockton for completion
GWR ‘2884’ No. 3814 is moving to Northern Steam Engineering for its restoration to be completed, after its owner was asked to move it from the Llangollen Railway.
The Collett 2-8-0 arrived at the North Wales line from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in 2018, but following the closure of Llangollen Railway Engineering (SR508), the line requested that the engine be moved.
No deadline was given, but the locomotive is expected to move to Northern Steam’s Stockton premises in February or early March. Its Collett 4,000-gallon tender will initially remain at Llangollen, to run with new ‘Grange’ No. 6880 Betton Grange while that engine’s own tender is constructed.
Andy Maxwell, the LR’s new engineering director, told Steam Railway: “Our contract works were for the tender (which we will be completing) and boiler cladding, which we have completed. There was never an agreement in writing to do any more works.”
The owner of No. 3814 is Peter Robinson, whose wife Pauline said: “The anticipated date of completion is February 2024 as long as we can keep up with funding. There is lots to do – a full boiler overhaul, and the chassis has to be redone after long exposure to the elements at the NYMR.
“Northern Steam is going to assess the tyres as they were turned years ago, and although not used, parameters have changed. If we need a new set that is another huge cost.
“Let’s hope some of our ageing ex-volunteers are still able to see it steam after all these years.”
Details can be found and donations made at www.gwr3814.co.uk