Sir Lamiel’s overhaul takes shape at Loughborough

THE overhaul of SR ‘King Arthur’ No. 777 Sir Lamiel, at the Great Central Railway (GCR), reached a milestone in early December, when the first of the new stays were screwed in. Efforts continue to complete the stay and set screw work and move on to preparing for the purchase of tubes. The news follows on from the positive report from the boiler inspector and the subsequent removal of the required number of stays and set screws. Other progress achieved includes the lifting of the tender from the bogies. Wheelsets have been separated from the front bogie and the bogie frame cleaned and painted. The axleboxes need some minor remedial work. The wheelsets will require turning which will be arranged shortly. Replating work on the tender body is also set to get underway. The loco frames and wheels are being cleaned to remove the old paint and accumulated grease and oil. The inside frames and dragbox are being painted following cleaning up with the needle gun. The steam pipes from the cylinder block to the exhaust steam injector and the oil separator have been cleaned internally and externally and are being painted. Final measurements have been taken for the manufacturing and machining of new cylinder liners. The National Collectionowned 4-6-0 is being returned to action by the 5305 Locomotive Association, which has been the custodian and mainline operator of Sir Lamiel for over 40 years. The target remains to return No. 777 to working order in time to celebrate its centenary in 2025. The overhaul will be to full main line standard and will be based at Loughborough on the GCR. New volunteers are always welcome – and financial support is required to pay for materials and contract work, including the new stays and set screws, plus the cylinder liners. Visit www.sirlamiel.org.uk for details.