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News Update - 27th June 2021

June Update

It may have been quiet on the website but it’s been all systems go with our project. At the Locomotive Maintenance Services Ltd works in Loughborough the tender is slowly taking shape. This may seem a little “cart before horse” but there is good sense in turning the myriad of tender parts into a moveable item that can be shunted around the works, giving the LMS team better access to the more complex task of rebuilding the locomotive.

As you can see here, the newly cut tender frames are well on the way with the necessary machining and drilling that will allow them to receive the parts salvaged from the rotten, rusted and wasted predecessor. With the tender wheels, axles, tyres and bushes completely refurbished by South Devon Railway Engineering Ltd, the creation of a rolling chassis is not far off. Once that has been constructed then the arrival of the new tender tank this autumn will see us start to apply the first brush strokes of North Eastern Railway livery.

SDRE Ltd have also similarly refurbished the driving wheels including new crank pins. Elsewhere on the locomotive the many parts have been refurbished and stored ready for rebuilding. This refurbishment has included specialist cast iron welding of major fault and also welding to make good some minor cracks, such as on the cylinder block.

Meanwhile in Cumbria, the restoration of our 1902 H2 pattern NER Stores Van nears completion. Were it not for the many delays imposed upon us by the pandemic it would have been finished some months ago but instead we look forward to seeing it in as new condition this Autumn. The exterior is largely complete with the major tasks outstanding being the fitting of new roof canvas that has to be carried out in conjunction with the installation of the raised roof ducket.

Inside the vehicle is similarly on the home straight with the restoration here being in two distinct approaches; the crew compartment being returned to as close to 1902 condition as our research allows, and the main body showing the workings of the van whilst incorporating our Interpretation material being designed for us by Minerva Heritage Ltd.

This has been a painstaking and first-class restoration; we can’t wait to see it in the station platform at Kirkby Stephen East!

News Update - 1st March 2021

Canvassing support!

With lockdown continuing so does the ‘down tools’ on the final stage of the extensive restoration of our unique 1902 Stores Van. However, things are moving forward as items continue to amass at Kirkby Stephen East station, home to our friends and hosts the Stainmore Railway Company. This week’s arrival is the new canvas for the roof.

What a difference that’s going to make when it goes on later this Spring! The vehicle has gone from near dereliction, the “coupe” version as the roof came off to painstakingly refurbish each plank, to near completion as the boards are reinstated awaiting some fresh canvas.

We have also completed an order for the undercoat, finishing coat and varnish for the vehicle and we can’t wait to see all that go on.

More to follow soon so stay tuned here or via our Facebook page.

The image to the left shows the progress on the van's interior - a far cry from the condition it was in at the time of arrival!

The images below show the canvas that's now ready to be applied, and a reminder of what the stores van looked like before we started work!

News Update - 18th February 2021

The Application of Lubrication

It seems like SO long since we were able to see the 'J21' in one piece that we felt like sharing a picture from 2018. Ever since September 2019 it has morphed into a growing number of smaller and smaller parts. Those parts are in the process of refurbishment or, where not possible, replacement.

However, there are one or two bits missing; one of which was a mechanical lubricator. Not any more; our good friends at the 76084 Society have kindly supplied us with one. Many thanks all!

In case you don’t know, an automatic lubricator, is a device to supply lubricating oil to the cylinders and, sometimes, the bearings and axle box mountings as well. There are various types of automatic lubricator, which include various designs of displacement, hydrostatic and mechanical lubricators.

Just need to get her in steam first! Unless we find a further £40,000 it won’t happen and thank you all for your generosity that has got us this far. We have great support schemes so why not join us? Check out our 'How to Help' pages to find out more!

Here's a photograph of our newly acquired Wakefield mechanical lubricator, which, although small, is vitally important!

News Update - 9th January 2021

We've Been Framed!

Just a few days into the New Year and we’re greeted by this welcome sight. While it was a shock to learn late in 2019 that we’d need new tender frames we’re now used to the idea and are excited about seeing the tender come together in 2021.

The fundraising response has been very healthy - thank you to all our supporters - but we still have a further £40,000 to find if the J21 is ever to steam again. If you're like us and can't wait to see the locomotive in action, please consider making a donation or joining one of our supporters' groups - find out more on our 'How to Help' pages.

News Update - 2nd January 2021

Happy 21st: Key to the (station) Door!

With New Year out of the way let’s start with some birthday talk; 2021 marks 21 years of the existence of our hosts and friends the Stainmore Railway Company at Kirkby Stephen East station in Cumbria.

This delightful NER microcosm is a fast-rising star and hopefully this selection of pictures give some idea of what they’ve achieved already.

Yes, that is the J21 in the bay platform.... not too long now before she resumes her rightful place there!