Didcot puts 6023 overhaul on hold
DIDCOT RAILWAY Centre has temporarily suspended the overhaul of ‘King’ No. 6023 King Edward II while it focuses on returning Churchward 0-6-0ST No. 1363 to steam.
Overhauling the Collett four-cylinder 4-6-0, which last steamed in September 2020, was planned to take place once No. 4079 Pendennis Castle returned to steam (SR511). However, the focus has shifted to completing the overhaul of Churchward ‘1361’ No. 1363, which hasn’t steamed since the late 1970s.
DRC general manager Richard Jermyn explained: “The gang who worked on Lady of Legend and 4079 had always planned to do the overhaul of 1363 as their next project. This has been pushed further by a reasonable legacy being left to us to complete the project, hence the stepping up of activity.
“The future of 6023 was brought up at a board meeting where the viability of the continuing hire out of large engines was discussed, owing to the fluid-at-the-time situation with coal and costs. A final decision was deferred but we were not in a position at that point to start any overhaul, with the need to finish King George and do the final commissioning and snagging of Pendennis Castle.
“I am sure once things stabilise around the coal situation, the plan for 6023 will be reviewed and a way forward will be identified. So, the delay is more an opportunity to catch breath and finish some other items rather than any permanent decision.”
Hunslet 0-6-0ST Works No. 2409 King George returned to steam at Didcot during the Platinum Jubilee weekend, following overhaul.