Grant boosts ‘Joem’ overhaul

THE North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group (NELPG) has secured a grant of £124,000 from the Cultural Assets Fund (CAF) which is administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) for boiler repairs to ‘J72’ 0-6-0T No. 69023.

The funding recognises the locomotive’s regional and national importance and will ensure that it will be able to steam again and be available for the 200th Anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025.

Affectionately known as ‘Joem’, the 1951-built loco last steamed in 2017 and was subsequently withdrawn due to the poor condition of its boiler. The main boiler repair contract has been awarded to Northern Steam Engineering Ltd on Teesside and the mechanical restoration is being undertaken by volunteers in the NELPG workshops in Hopetown, Darlington.