BACK BEFORE LONG:

SECR ‘H’ No. 263 hauled its last public trains at the Bluebell Railway for the foreseeable future on February 13, following the expiry of its boiler certificate. The 1905-built 0-4-4T passes Hazelden with the 12.30 ‘Golden Arrow’ from Sheffield Park on February 12. In view of the generally good condition of the boiler and recent significant mechanical work, the loco is planned to receive a rapid turn-around overhaul. It requires a boiler lift, new crown girders and tubes, new tyres and new springs. The work is to be funded by a grant from the Bluebell Railway Trust, in part thanks to a bequest left by Ray Tanner specifically for work on No. 263.