Duke appears in light steam
THE overhaul of No. 71000
Duke of Gloucester for main line operation reached a milestone at Tyseley Locomotive Works on December 3. Members of the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust were invited to see the Pacific on the turntable in light steam.
Despite the poor weather and industrial action on the national rail network, around 70 members were in attendance.
The coming year promises to showcase a number of exciting developments for No. 71000. Firstly, the 4-6-2 is due to return to the main line with improvements which it is believed the loco’s designer Robert Riddles would have made following its period of main line working, had he been allowed the time.
In addition to celebrating the loco’s 70th anniversary, 2024 will also mark half-a-century since No. 71000 was rescued from Barry scrapyard.
“The primary objective of our current overhaul was to return Duke to the main line in the most reliable condition possible,” explained Trevor Tuckley, chairman of trustees.
“This has involved the meticulous reviewing of every component. The non-destructive testing of the coupling and connecting rods highlighted a few small cracks in the centre con rod, all the other rods were sound. This has involved the ordering of a new forging along with a complicated machining process.”
Trevor said the unexpected expenditure has cost £6000 for the forging and £14,000 for the finishing, which has included heat treatment and retesting. While the trust has been able to cover this cost, it has reduced the organisation’s planned financial float. The trust is therefore asking well-wishers to help reduce this deficit.
Donations can be made at www.theduke.uk.com or by cheque payable to BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust and posted to Aurora House, Deltic Avenue, Rooksley, Milton Keynes MK13 8LW.