80104 – Preservation Service
80104 arrived at Norden on 17th April 1997 after a journey by low-loader from Herston Works. The locomotive was drawn from the low-loader by Midland Railway Class 1F 41708 before being towed to Swanage. A number of jobs still remained to be done and it was not until 30th April that the Insurance Company's boiler inspector gave his approval and the locomotive moved under its own power for the first time since July 1965. That evening the locomotive completed about 24 miles with no problems being encountered.
Although still not properly painted the locomotive was given a coat of black paint and a temporary number of 80011 in readiness for the 'Dorset Coast Express'.
Final painting and lining was carried out during May and the locomotive quietly entered the operational fleet of the Swanage Railway.
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80104 at Swanage Station |
Following several years of successful operation, during which she journeyed to the Avon Valley, Mid-Hants and Great Central Railway for a short spells, she was withdrawn from traffic in January 2005.
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80104 south of Loughborough on the Great Central Railway on 26th January 2002 |
Overhaul
80104 was withdrawn from traffic in January 2005. As the Herston team were heavily occupied with the restoration of Manston, and the contracted job of completing GWR 0-6-2T 6695 whose owners had found it impossible to finish themselves, it was decided to send the locomotive to outside contractors in Wigan for much of the repair work that needed to be accomplished.
Unfortunately, during 2005, the contractors were given notice to vacate their workshops and it thoroughly disrupted their work schedule. 80104 was transferred to their new facility at Embsay but progress was slow, so we decided to bring her back to the South to an alternative contractor in Portland, Dorset. This was close enough for our staff to assist with the work and 80104 was brought back in to traffic during 2006.
Return to Service
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80104 leaving Corfe Castle, November 2006 |
2021 Withdrawal for Overhaul
80104's boiler ticket expired on 11th May 2021 and it was withdrawn from service. It had been in regular use right up to the last day, though it became increasingly clear that work on the copper firebox would be needed. A supporter has agreed to fund much of the cost of a fast-track overhaul, mainly at Tyseley. Copper sheet for the firebox has been ordered and it travelled to Tyseley on 26th October 2021. We will need matching funds to complete this overhaul, and we welcome any support that you can offer.
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80104 leaving Swanage station on 1st April 2021. It was working well and looking good just a few weeks before its withdrawal for overhaul. Photo: Nick Thompson |
Overhaul update March 2024
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80104 after arrival at Tyseley, minus cylinder covers and rods. |
The loco moved to Tyseley where overhaul of the boiler was to take place. It was stripped in part by SLL volunteers, and parts moved to Herston and Sellindge for repair and painting.
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The boiler was lifted and steel outer sides of firebox removed. The boiler shell is marked up for NDT work. |
At Tyseley a hole was cut in the front tube plate to permit volunteers to get into the boiler and remove accumulated lime scale, etc. A new front tube plate was fabricated and instelled.
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A hole was cut in the front tubesheet for access to remove scale from the boiler walls and fittings. |
Repair of the copper firebox was the most complex and costly part of the overhaul, starting with copper sheets costing around £20,000. This work took much longer than expected and was not completed until mid 2025. The loco will then be moved to Herston for completion, and returned to service on Swanage Railway in 2026.
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The fabricated new front tubesheet. Photos: Nick Thompson |
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80104 leaving Swanage station on 1st April 2021. It was working well and looking good just a few weeks before its withdrawal for overhaul. Photo: Nick Thompson |
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Part of the stretcher below the cab was corroded and a new section was welded in. Volunteers Jim and Mary Bosworth get to work painting the frames below the cab. |
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The bunker was removed ffrom the frames for overhaul and work on the frames. The bunker was lifted drom ground level as the work included accessing the water
space below the coal bunker. Volunteers riggled in to remove years of scale and to apply a coat of paint. Photo: Malcolm Garner |
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In July the overhauled boiler passed its hysdraulic pressure text. Photo: Malcolm Garner |