Types 2 and 4 ready for action!
MAIN line diesel haulage is expected to be on offer at the Llangollen Railway (LR) over the weekends of April 16/17 and 23/24. While the allocation will be confirmed in due course, it is hoped that Class 26 No. 5310, Class 31 No. 31271 and Class 47
No. 1566 (47449) should all be available this season.
LR spokesman Terry Pickthall told The RM: “We hope to have all three main line diesels in operation by Easter. Having diesels stored undercover since last year has made a phenomenal difference.
“Our Class 47 is being prepared for the service, having been winterised. New brake blocks are to hand, but we believe a season’s use remain on them.”
Maintenance
The batteries for No. 31271 were charged in early February. A team from the owning group, A1A Locomotives Ltd is expected to carry out a post-winter exam in March, the equivalent to a B exam.
Also ready for service this season are the line’s Class 109 Wickham – which has received engine repairs over the winter – and Class 104/108 cars No. 50454 and 56223, which are running as a hybrid set while Class 104 DMCL No. 50528 receives bodywork repairs.
Restoration
Restoration of Cravens
Class 105 trailer car No. 56456 at Llangollen is ongoing. Recent work has included the cleaning and fitting of the remaining two window frames in the centre compartment on the secondman’s side and the installation of the panel above the second vestibule door.
Good progress is being made on bodywork repairs to Class 127 DMBS No. 51618 at Llangollen. Two passenger doors are currently being refurbished, which includes attention to the locks and droplight mechanisms. Once these are completed, only two passenger doors plus the guard’s doors remain to be processed so there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
A diesel weekend is planned for September 3/4 and a DMU Weekend for October 8/9. Visit llangollenrailway.co.uk for details.