WORK on the boiler (built by Henschel in 1957) of ex-South African Railways Société Anglo-Franco-Belge NG15 ‘Kalahari’ 2-8-2 No. 134 is being undertaken by Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough.
Although the boiler and inner firebox are in generally good condition, the main area of concern surrounds corroded platework near the foundation ring. An agreed scope of repairs covers firebox work, including patches, new stays, and refitting the foundation ring.
The NG15 is undergoing longterm restoration at the Welsh Highland Railway’s Dinas site.
The 14.40 departure on July 10 during the Evesham Vale Light Railway’s July 10-11 Transport Rally featured three Exmoor Steam Railwaybuilt locomotives hauling seven coaches. Leading is 0-4-2T Ruby, visiting from Lappa Valley Railway (substituting for 0-6-0 Muffin, which had been booked but developed a mechanical issue), then Evesham Vale residents 0-4-0 St. Egwin and 0-4-2T Monty. The triple-header was not repeated on the Sunday, the train having been found to be too long for the terminus station!
ALISTAIR GRIEVE