Swede next in line for overhaul
Nene Valley Railway outlines 10-year plan for steam fleet.
A SWEDISH tender locomotive which starred in James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ is set to be the next steam locomotive to be returned to action at the Nene Valley Railway (NVR).
No. 101 last ran in February 2005, being withdrawn just short of expiry of its boiler certificate due to failed firebox stays. Up until then, the 4-6-0 was a mainstay of NVR services in the late 1990s and early 2000s and proved to be a popular, reliable performer.
The news has come as part of the NVR’s strategic 10-year steam locomotive plan. An ongoing business need has been identified for three broad categories of loco – large, medium and small – plus Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T No. 1800 Thomas, which is described as ‘a business given’.
Definitions
Large locos are defined as ex-main line ‘express’ passenger locomotives, such as BR ‘5MT’ No. 73050 City of Peterborough, which can comfortably handle all NVR train demands, including driver experience courses etc. The medium category is defined as tank locomotives which can be entrusted with regular services – examples being the NVR’s own Danish 0-6-0T No. 656 and privately-owned Polish 0-8-0T
No. 5485, which is on long-term contract. Small locos are those not capable of timetabled services from Wansford to Peterborough but can haul some coaches to Yarwell – a prime example being Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST Derek Crouch, which is currently under overhaul.
To maximise operational flexibility, large and medium locos will be dual braked, enabling them to haul BR Mk.1s as well as line’s continental carriages.
An indicative survey by line’s engineering team reported that Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST
No. 75006 is worn out and requires a disproportionately large sum to return it to traffic. Swedish Class S 2-6-2T No. 1178, which last operated in 1992, and German Class 64 2-6-2T
No. 64.305, which has not steamed since 1987, are identified as being in long term store – their condition prohibiting any return to service in the next 10 years.
No. 101 is in generally good condition and is expected to be operational for around 50% of the cost of the ‘Austerity’ – and commercially, No. 101 offers a wealth of potential.
Strategy
While the NVR is aiming to reduce the demand on hired in locos – unless they come with a long-term contract – it will continue to welcome visiting engines to support events and offer new experiences. Examples cited in the plan include No. 45596 Bahamas, No. 60103 Flying Scotsman and No. 60163 Tornado.
Meanwhile, the overhauls of two Wansford shed residents continue to progress.
Rivet preparation and pipework are ongoing on No. 73050 City of Peterborough. The rear horn liners have been fitted and a start has also been made on riveting the rear drag box. It is hoped to have a wheeled chassis soon, including the bogie. Efforts will be directed at the boiler this year.
Reassembly of No. 656 is rapidly underway. The fireman’s side (left) tank was refitted on January 12, the driver’s side following four days later. The cab was reattached on January 19. It is planned for the loco to return to traffic this year.