Good news for Sir Lamiel paves way for 2025 centenary celebrations

THE project to return National Railway Museum-owned SR ‘King Arthur’ 4-6-0 No. 777 Sir Lamiel at the Great Central Railway for main line operation has received a welcome boost following a visit by a boiler inspector. The examination of the pressure vessel confirmed the assessment by custodians, the 5305 Locomotive Association (5305LA), that there are no major issues, paving the way for the sole survivor of its kind to be back in traffic in time to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2025. Initial work to strip down the locomotive began in 2020 and the boiler was lifted from the frames in October 2021. The motion, pistons and valves have been removed from the frames. The cylinders will require reboring and new liners fitting. Work has also started on preparing the insides of the loco’s frames for painting. Degreasing is also continuing on the outside of the frames. The plan is to lift the frames from the wheels this year. All the brake gear from the tender has been removed, cleaned up and painted and is now being stored. Preparations are underway to lift the tender. This will enable the tender bogies to be run out for examination and cleaning. Alan Berck-May, chairman of the 5305LA told The RM: “While the news from the boiler inspector is welcome, the cost of the copper bar for the replacement stays and new tubes etc will not be cheap. Orders will need to be placed soon if we are to meet our target of 2024. Therefore, we are appealing for well-wishers to support our ‘Knights of the Round Table’ appeal to raise £80,000 for the overhaul. Visit www.sirlamiel.org.uk for details. “We also welcome new volunteers to assist us with a range of tasks, including our sales stand and the maintenance of the carriages, steam and diesel locos in our care. Email comms@5305la.org. uk if you are interested.” Meanwhile, initial steps have been taken with the overhaul of LMS ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 No. 45305, which last ran on October 24. Preparatory work for the boiler inspector includes the removal of the brick arch and superheater elements ahead of taking out the tubes. While the focus will be on Sir Lamiel, work on the ‘5MT’ will be carried out in the background.