End of the year return for Duke?
BR Pacific No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester is expected to return to action by the end of the year, according to the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust.
The news follows a meeting with Tyseley Locomotive
Works where the 4-6-2 is being overhauled, in which it was jointly agreed that No. 71000 will be ready to resume main line duties by the end of 2022.
The rear set of driving wheels is now being profiled at Tyseley and the centre set will follow. The crank axle wheelset has been delayed in being returned to Tyseley due to an issue identified during the final quality control procedure and is now expected to reach Tyseley by mid-March. This is due to a paperwork hold up as a result of Covid-19 involving the use of an approved modern alternative material specification for the stub axles and the crank pin. However, this not expected to impact on the Duke’s overhaul completion date as work can continue with the two axles in place.
Assembly of the modified pistons has progressed, and the new piston rods and piston heads are ready for fitting into the cylinders.
Visit www.theduke.uk.com for details of how you can help
No. 71000.