IT WAS hoped Severn Valley Railway’s Class 52 No. (D) 1062 Western Courier would return to traffic on October 10/11, ready to work the final ‘Pioneer’train of the season on October 23. This was not to be, and the train saw sister loco No. D1015 Western Champion in charge (RM Dec. p74).
Unfortunately, on October 11, during a fully loaded test run, an air-brake fault at A-end was detected, meaning Courier had to be failed. However, the test runs indicated the bogie repairs had been successful.
The failure was identified as debris in the air system and so the nose-end air receivers were replaced at both ends.
Further work on the system will be undertaken so that the hydraulic can return to service when the SVR reopens. It was moved outside the depot on November 7 and covered and made safe for the winter. Work will continue when possible, on the long-term overhaul of the WLA’s other loco, No. D1013 Western Ranger. This includes the top-end overall of the B-engine, which has been stripped down.