Coal Tank gears up for gala appearances
LNWR Coal Tank No. 1054 was due to work its last trips at the East Lancashire Railway on December 4/5 – Santa specials – before returning to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) base ahead of gala performances in the year ahead. The 0-6-2T is set to appear at two galas in the first half of 2023. Along with Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas, No. 1054 is expected to take part in the KWVR steam gala on March 9-12, before starring in the Nene Valley Railway’s gala on March 24/25. Discussions are underway for it to visit another heritage line. Meanwhile, the longterm restoration of Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns 0-4- 0CT Southwick (7069/1942) has progressed at Ingrow, with the wheels despatched to the ELR for overhaul.