STEAMING CLOSER: LBSCR ‘Terrier’ 0-6-0T No. 72 Fenchurch passed its steam test at Sheffield Park on September 21, a key milestone for the 1872-built loco’s return to traffic. It last ran on January 23,
2011.
BR
The Dean Forest Locomotive Group’s (DFLG) WR ‘57XX’ 0-6-0PT No. 9681 continues to edge closer to returning from overhaul at Norchard on the Dean Forest Railway (DFR).
While several tasks remain to complete, the majority of the cab controls are now in place. Work is starting on the pipework – most of which will be new. It is planned to paint the loco between October 3-23 when it will be all hands on deck.
Once painting is complete, a final sign off from the boiler inspector is required – hopefully by the end of October. Running in is set to be underway by November. By mid-September, it remained unclear as to whether No. 9681 will be ready for Santa trains on the DFR. The loco is, however, due to be ready for the start of the 2023 season.