Four locos expected in steam for Alan Keef event

THE first Alan Keef Ltd Open Day for four years, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the company, will be held on September 24.

Patrick Keef’s Bagnall 0-4-0ST

Woto will be operating, and work is in progress to return the family’s De Winton 0-4-0VBT

Taffy to steam for the first time in over 12 years, for the event. They will be joined by Graham Morris’ Leighton Buzzard Railway-based KS4256/1922

Peter Pan.

Corris Railway’s new-build Falcon 0-4-2ST No. 10, under construction at Keef’s works in Lea, Herefordshire, should also be ready to be demonstrated in steam, although at that stage will not be ready to enter full service (RM, May).

The boiler for No. 10 passed a hydraulic test at Alan Keef Ltd’s works at the end of July. The boiler was constructed by Israel Newton and Sons in 2012 but was displayed at Corris’ Maespoeth Junction in relation to fundraising efforts to build the rest of the locomotive before being moved at Keef’s in August 2020.

As the loco nears completion, a new test needed to be undertaken. Other recent progress includes fitting the smokebox and mounting the ashpan.

Attractions

The open day will feature steam-hauled rides on the demonstration line utilising the pair of newly restored exDalmunzie Railway carriages.

These unique Motor Rail carriages were rescued from derelict condition in 2016 by Patrick Keef from the Dalmunzie Estate in Scotland, where they carried shooting party guests and include a ‘first-class’ carriage complete with swivel seating.

Other attractions will include one-ton steam roller the ‘Trotter of Coleford’ in steam, access to the works where projects in progress for the Isle of Man and Talyllyn Railways will be displayed, and trade stands.

Car parking will be available in the adjacent field. Proceeds from the day are donated to Lea Church.