Overhaul progress at Preston docks
WORK to return several locomotives to traffic is underway at the Ribble Steam Railway at Preston docks. Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST Niddrie (1883/1923) is having a new firebox throatplate fitted, which was expected to be completed by late December. New side plates will then be welded in, followed by riveting and staying, to be done in-house. The loco has already benefitted from a new twopiece boiler barrel and new front tube plate. Work will then be concentrated on the chassis before the boiler is finally given a hydraulic test and the loco returned to service. Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Walkden (3155/1944) has had boiler repairs completed and is on course for a hydraulic test in January 2023. Work is ongoing on the front axle to eliminate some side play and the loco should return to service during the coming season. Following the completion of boiler repairs, Peckett 0-4-0ST Hornet (1935/1937) is also due for hydraulic testing in January 2023. Work is currently being concentrated on replacing the missing copper pipework for injectors and clacks, along with the pipework runs for vacuum and steam heat fitting. Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST Dorothy (1450/1922), which has previously been used as a ‘Thomas’ replica, is to be retained as an 0-6-0T, but with the tanks modified to look less like the famous locomotive. The chassis has been de-rusted and undercoating is almost complete. Dorothy awaits a boiler inspection to ascertain whether any more remedial work is required Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Respite (3696/1950) is progressing well, with the wheelsets sent away recently for tyre re profiling. This loco was originally donated to the National railway Museum where parts were removed to help construct the Iron Duke broad gauge replica. It was later reassembled and sold to a private owner who relocated it to the Ribble Steam Railway. Meanwhile, the regular loco for the 2022 Santa trains was Bagnall 0-6-0ST Courageous (2680/1942). Three other locos are also in working order – namely Hawthorn Leslie 0-6-0ST Linda (3931/1938); 1894 built Grant Richie 0-4-0ST No. 272 and Furness Railway 0-4-0 No. 20, built in 1863 by Sharp Stewart & Co.