The Keighley &WorthValley Railway’s LMS‘Black Five’ No. 45212 is to go on hire to the Nene Valley Railway for the festive season.
Due to arrive atWansford on November 2, the 4-6-0 is booked to work driver experience courses – and the First Class Santa trains – before returning toWestYorkshire on December 28.
The Northampton & Lamport Railway’s Hunslet‘Austerity’0-60ST No. 3193 Norfolk Regiment is now due to remain on the NVR for an extended period to assist with Christmas trains. As reported last issue, the loco was originally expected to return to its Pitsford & Brampton base in November.
By mid-October it was planned that NVR resident locos SR Bulleid Pacific No. 34081 92 Squadron and Polish 0-8-0T No. 5485 would be available as standby locomotives during the line’s Santa trains.
Meanwhile, the overhaul of the NVR’s Hudswell Clarke 0-60T No. 1800 Thomas continues to progress.The boiler was reunited with the frames on October 11, using the railway’s steam crane. Days later, the boiler cladding and tanks had been refitted and the loco was on course for a rapid return.