BACK BEFORE LONG: SECR ‘H’ No. 263 hauled its last public trains at the Bluebell Railway for the foreseeable future on February 13, following the expiry of its boiler certificate. The 1905-built 0-4-4T passes Hazelden with the 12.30 ‘Golden Arrow’ from Sheffield Park on February 12. In view of the generally good condition of the boiler and recent significant mechanical work, the loco is planned to receive a rapid turn-around overhaul. It requires a boiler lift, new crown girders and tubes, new tyres and new springs. The work is to be funded by a grant from the Bluebell Railway Trust, in part thanks to a bequest left by Ray Tanner specifically for work on No. 263.
NICK GILLIAM
PICTURE: FRANK DUMBLETON/GWS
HISTORY was made at Didcot Railway Centre on Saturday, February 5, when No. 4079 Pendennis Castle moved under its own power for the first time since 1994 (in Australia) and 1977 (in the UK). This was a test in advance of the official launch on April 2 and 3, to allow any faults to be dealt with.
The volunteer members of the team who have worked on Pendennis over the past 20 years were also gathered together and each had a footplate ride.