Mogul whets appetites
VISITORS to an open day at Locomotive Maintenance Services (LMS) in Loughborough for shareholders of Toddington Standard Locomotive Limited (TSLL) on September 3, were wowed by the continuing progress in the restoration of BR Standard ‘4MT’ 2-6-0 No. 76077. Whetting appetites, the loco was presented with several additions to what, just two years ago, was just a bare set of frames.
The coupling rods have been fitted for the first time since 1968, while the cab assembly was temporarily placed on the frames, complete with cab side number. A replacement cab is to be manufactured – it having been decided the original is too badly wasted for when the loco is in traffic.
Restoration is being carried out by a combination of professional engineering skills and volunteer working parties, helping to ensure steady progress towards the aimed-for steaming date of 2026, which marks the loco’s 70th birthday.
Meanwhile, the boiler remains at Toddington and work will start soon on trial fitting the crinolines and cladding, which is being manufactured off-site. Next year, TSLL plans a major push to raise the expected £150,000 cost of having the boiler overhauled, for which work estimates are about to be invited.
No. 76077 will return to steam with a hired-in tender while work progresses to build a replacement – which could be either a BR2A (as originally fitted) or a BR1B – the larger type as fitted to several of the SR-allocated members of the class. If the latter is chosen, No. 76077 would be unique among the four surviving members of the class to be so equipped. The opinion of shareholders is being sought.
Visit standard76077.com for details of how you can help.