‘Workshop X’s’ next challenge is Luttermöller O&K 0‑10‑0T
FOLLOWING THEIR recent restoration of ex-Penrhyn Avonside 0-4-0T Ogwen, the next project for the team at ‘Workshop X’ in Killamarsh will be an Orenstein & Koppel ‘Luttermöller’ 0-10-0T.
The 2ft gauge locomotive,
Works No. 10956, was one of five O&K ‘En2t’ 0-10-0Ts imported into the UK from Argentina in the early 2000s and subsequently stored at Preston Services near Canterbury, Kent. Each featured ‘Luttermöller’ flexible geared drive on the leading and trailing axles, enabling them to negotiate tight curves. Owing to their large size and perceived complexity, the locomotives remained unsold until 2018, when Works No. 13101 departed for China, followed by Works No. 11309, which left for the Böhmetalbahn in Walsrode, Germany in November 2019.
Purchased by Matt Dolby, the 1925-built locomotive was taken to ‘Workshop X’ in late March, where dismantling has already begun. The restoration is expected to take four to five years, depending on the state of the boiler.
Mr Dolby said: “It’s basically in Barry condition, so it will be completely stripped to bare frames. It is possible that we’ll have to replace the boiler, but that depends on the inspector’s report.
“It’ll be dual-braked and fitted with Ffestiniog chopper couplings to give it maximum compatibility. I don’t have a home for it yet, but it’ll visit as many railways as I can get it to and that it’ll fit down. Even though it’s large, the axle load is less than a ‘Quarry Hunslet’. I’d very much like to drive it up the Aberglaslyn Pass and, if it’ll fit past the platforms,
I’d love to take it to Bala.”