80098
BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4 Tank

Following a decision to overhaul the locomotive, stripping work commenced the locomotive in 1991.

The wheels were re-tyred and much of the mechanical work completed, although in excess of 75% of the motion had to be made from new. Work on the overhaul ceased in 1993 and recommenced again in 1996 when the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust moved into their new premises, the West Shed.

The front fallplates-a common design feature on BR Standard locomotives-were made and fitted in new plate. All the locomotive steps were refurbished or new made. The bunker, which had been in the West Shed for some time, was painted internally and underneath in preparation for lifting on.

In the main workshops of the Midland Railway Trust (MRT) the side tanks underwent a programme of refurbishment for several weeks. The complicated structure on each tank has to be examined carefully for thinning and then remedial work carried out as required.

On these side tanks, which form a major part in the fabulous (sorry about this word, but they are nice) design of these locomotives, the beading round the top edge of the tank has always been an 'Achilles heel'. Because this bead was tack welded on when made it was soon prone to quilting. Our replacement has been seam welded, which is not an easy task on such a long and very thin strip. Both tanks were completed in early 1997. The completed tanks had the skilled hands of Eric Riley, the MRT Locomotive Superintendent, applying filler to attain a lovely smooth finish. Clearly it is much easier to do this when the tank is on the floor rather than high up on the locomotive.

Early 1997 saw both tanks and bunker fitted to the rolling chassis. One of the major items to be sorted out at this stage was the machining of the two leading coupling rods.

The major workshop activity continued on 80098 through 1997. In early March we collected the last item of missing motion from one of the other 80xxx-owning groups. It is akin to finding the last piece of a jigsaw and completing the picture-very satisfying. A new front draw hook has been used in preference to the existing one which was almost life expired.

In March the boiler arrived on an MRT well wagon, opening up a long list of work even though the work is completed. Experience with 80080 led to some items receiving better refurbishment, such as the mild steel pegs from which the ashpan is suspended. These were replaced with stainless steel, offering a much longer life. New crinolines, made for some time, are fitted and cladding is underway.

The boiler inspector, together with Wayne Jones from Resco, formally inspected the boiler (No BR5/1309) on Thursday 12th June 1997 and gave it a clean bill of health subject to some further NDT work, thus allowing the tubing to proceed in due course.

Work continued apace through autumn 1997 and spring 1998, with almost every working day seeing more parts fitted. Unfortunately delays were incurred through waiting for materials. The copper pipe deliveries took almost one year to get through. As with 80080, the final pipefitting proved to be a long tedious job.

A new cab roof was made and fitted by the 'Wednesday night gang'. The smokebox was fitted to the boiler in late summer 1997 and we are now becoming expert at the manufacture of these-this being the third.

Mick and Paul undertook the lion's share of work on the tubes, being well supported by Malcolm the MRT welder. Our electric band saw has served us well in the cutting of these to length.

Cladding of the boiler took place during the autumn and early winter months as did the necessary hydraulic testing.With all work now in new covered accommodation, rapid progress was made and the overhaul completed in 1998.

She was steamed for the first time in preservation in August 1998 this being the first time for 33 years since she had last steamed for British Railways.

Having held certification for main line work on Railtrack and Network Rail the locomotive has visited various parts of the country.

• London Tilbury and Southend Line
• Exeter on the summer `Dawlish Donkey’ trains
• Llandudno Junction and Blaneau Ffestiniog
• The Severn Valley Railway
• The Churnet Valley Railway (moved by road) 2002

Working Life - Restoration - Preservation