Southern Locomotives take on Brocklebank Line restoration
SWANAGE Railway-based Southern Locomotives Ltd (SLL) is adding a 'Merchant Navy' to its fleet of Bulleid Pacifies, having agreed to take over the restoration and ownership of No. 35025 Brocklebank Line.
The ex-Barry Scrapyard 'BP' is currently based at a private site in Sellindge, Kent, having moved there after the 35025 Brocklebank Line Association was evicted from the Great Central Railway in 2007.
The cost of relocating the loco left a large dent in the association's finances, and despite some work having since taken place, progress has been very slow, with the group making contact with SLL at the end of last year.
Restored
SLL is no stranger to Bulleid 4-6-2s, having successfully restored 'Light Pacific'
Nos. 34028 Eddystone, 34053 Sir Keith Park, 34070 Manston and 34072 257 Squadron, while a fifth - No. 34010 Sidmouth - is currently under restoration at Herston Works.
Additionally, the group restored 'Merchant Navy'
No. 35027 Port Line, which it used to own along with unrestored classmate No. 35022 Holland America Line. The latter went on to provide a spare boiler for No. 35027, until both locos were sold to Jeremy Hosking.
The overall condition of Brocklebank Line was a key factor in SLL's decision to accept the loco into its fleet.
The boiler is thought to be in reasonable order, while a new smokebox was made, the wheels had their tyres turned, and the axleboxes and brake gear were all overhauled during its two decades at the Great Central. It also has a replacement 6,000-gallon tender tank, which was one actually acquired by SLL several years ago and sold to the Brocklebank Line Association.
Suitable parts
However, SLL has said the upkeep ofthe'Light Pacific' fleet must take priority, and No. 35025 will not be moved from Sellindge until the time is right.
No work will be undertaken until the restoration of Sidmouth is complete, although SLL will be keeping an eye open for suitable parts that may come on the market.
When replacement parts are manufactured for Sidmouth, duplicates will be made for
No. 35025 if required.