‘9F’ for Midsomer Norton

Long-term project to restore iconic loco type for Somerset & Dorset line.

THE Midsomer Norton-based Somerset & Dorset Railway

Trust has agreed to purchase BR ‘9F’ No. 92207 from its current owner Keith Bottomley, who has been restoring the 2-10-0 at a private site in Poole, Dorset.

The Trust has been in negotiations with the current owner for over a year in order to confirm the exact condition of the locomotive – which has yet to steam in preservation – and all the available parts included in the sale.

Completion of the loco’s restoration is estimated at more than £0.5 million (for which a dedicated appeal will be set up) and take around a decade. Around 75% of the parts required exist, although a new tender will be required.

Restoration can continue in the secure premises where it is currently stored. With the chassis having had many hours and thousands of pounds spent on it, it would not be viable to bring the chassis to Midsomer Norton until the

Trust has suitable undercover accommodation.

The boiler is due to remain at the East Lancashire Railway until funding is in place for its overhaul and a contractor selected, whereupon it will move to their workshops.

The Trust views the restoration of No. 92207 as a long-term project and has currently set a 10-year timescale to complete the remaining work

It is also envisaged that once restored the loco would be able to visit other heritage railways and act as an ambassador for the Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust.

While the Trust currently operates a half-mile line, it says that compared to other locomotives of comparable size the ‘9F’ is relatively economic on coal. After the cessation of the ‘Pines Express’ over the S&D, ‘9F’ locos were used over the line in local passenger services such as the 1.10pm stopping service from Bath Green Park, formed of three coaches – a train which could be recreated with

No. 92207.