SOUTH Tynedale Railway Preservation Society (STRPS) has confirmed that earlier proposals to modify the cab of Thomas Green & Company 0-6-2ST Barber (441/1908) will be progressed while the loco undergoes work at Alston.
As-built Barber had a distinctive low rounded cab to provide clearance for working through confined tunnels at Harrogate gasworks, together with an escape hatch in the cab backsheet. This appearance was retained when Barber was returned to steam in 2015 for the first time since retirement from industrial service in 1949.
Raise the roof
STRPS has prepared a Conservation Management Plan which identifies modifications, including raising the cab roof and chimney height by 35cm, placing a metal baffle between the raised whistle and the cab front, and fitting safety chains to the cab openings.