Standard 4 overhaul to be completed for the Moors

BR ‘4MT’ 2-6-4T No. 80135, which last ran in 2009, is to return to action thanks to a generous legacy donation from Clifford Luff that was specifically to be directed towards the overhaul of a steam locomotive on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).

Along with the remaining funds which the NYMR has from the Bridge and Wheels Appeal, the heritage line said it is now able to restart the overhaul. Tenders are currently being sought from external contractors to manufacture the replacement inner firebox using materials already in NYMR stock, as well as a complete boiler overhaul. The loco’s frames and running gear will also be restored and finished off.

No. 80135 will be completed ready to operate trains right through the NYMR to Whitby as a Network Rail registered locomotive.

Chris Price, CEO of the NYMR said: “We are extremely grateful to Mr Luff for remembering the

NYMR in his will. While it is hard to predict exact timescales of the locomotive’s completion, this generous legacy has enabled us to bring No. 80135’s overhaul up the priority list.

“It will be wonderful to see the two sister locos (Nos. 80135 and 80136) working alongside each other for the pleasure of our visitors and members.”

DAVID STAINES TWO BULLEIDS BACK AT 75F: No. 34092 City of Wells is stabled with resident No. 34053 Sir Keith Park at Tunbridge Wells West on August 20. The sight of a pair of Bulleid light Pacifics together on the Spa Valley was limited to the few days between the arrival of No. 34092 from the East Lancashire Railway on August 18, for the Spa Valley’s 25th Anniversary gala on August 26-29, and the departure of No. 34053 from the railway for overhaul on August 23.