‘Black Fives’ to power ‘Jacobite’ in 2022 as ‘K1’ overhaul gets underway

HOPES that ‘K1’ No. 62005 would be one of this year’s ‘Jacobite’ locos has proven short-lived after owning group NELPG (North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group) has embarked on a seven-year overhaul of the 2-6-0.

NELPG secretary Chris

Lawson told The RM the loco was withdrawn early from last season’s operation because of excess tyre wear and taken to Carnforth for a strip down and assessment of the work required for its next seven year heavy overhaul which is now due.

Mr Lawson explained the assessment has been completed and NELPG members are about to be balloted for approval to spend up to £430,000 on the overhaul including contingency, adding work would not begin until members had voted in favour.

Completing the overhaul will be a challenge for the project team, but Mr Lawson said there was no prospect of No. 62005 being overhauled in time for this season, and it was looking more realistically at having the loco ready for April 2023.

As a result of the loco’s unavailability, West Coast Railway’s press spokesman

Malcolm Tattersall has confirmed the locos expected to be used on the 42-mile scenic route would all be LMS ‘Black Fives’ Nos. 44871, 45212 and 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier.

The Fort William-Mallaig ‘Jacobite’ season begins on April 4 and runs until October 28.