News Update - September 2024
From the Chairman
The last couple of months have been busy ones on several fronts with the highlight being the incredibly successful occasion of Sir Keith Park's renaming to 303 Squadron, on the 1st September. We are also consulting with our 800+ shareholders regarding Main Line operations, something which for the past 36 years we have put in the 'too difficult' tray. In the Eddystone section we explain how Main Line running could now become reality without compromising our core objective of restoring Sidmouth, Sir Frederick Pile and Brocklebank Line.
 |
|
34028 Eddystone
Our usual reports on Eddystone are generally very brief as it performs on Swanage railway and Galas elswhere without incident. That's going to change if our shareholders and supporters agree with our proposal to equip the locomotive for the main line. Since Swanage's 'U' Class 31806 was passed for Main Line running we have often been asked whether an SLL loco could do likewise. We've declined this hitherto because of the added responsibilities of main line operation. However, times and circumstances change and we are now seriously looking at the possibility of venturing out on the Network in association with the Swanage Railway who will play the major part in the operation. They have both the technical skills to convert the locomotive and experience of Main Line operation with the 'U', however that loco has been restricted in operation due to its width and lower power rating.
 |
|
We have been approached by two major railtour promoters owing to the dearth of Class 7 and 8 power on the Main Line, especially in Southern England, and we have a fair stud of such locos. As more locos of our fleet come into service we see value in operating beyond heritage railways. We can't confirm any agreements with other parties at present, though we have decided to install air braking equipment thereby ensuring that Eddystone can haul any Main Line train.
The initial cost of equiping Eddystone will be around £50,000, and we have asked supporters to fund this, as we are anxious not to deflect resources from our current overhauls and restorations.Renaming of Sir Keith Park to 303 Squadron
The project to rename Sir Keith Park to 303 Squadron led by Peter Spowage has been very successful, leading to the event on 1st September. The day started with some of the Sellindge team helping complete the cleaning of Sir Keith Park during the morning. The loco left Tunbridge Wells West at about 10:30 looking absolutely pristine. The weather was perfect and the atmosphere at Eridge Station was absolutely buzzing. The platform was packed with singers and dancers in national costume and many service personnel representing the Polish Air Force as well as cadets. Apart from some personnel who had flown over from Warsaw we also had two Vice Consuls from the Polish Embassy in London and the head of Cultural Heritage from the Polish Cultural Institute, members of 303 Jag Squadron, along with the family of S/Ldr Roland Kellett who commanded 303 during the Battle of Britain.
 |
|
Prior to the unveiling of the nameplates speeches were made by Peter Spowage, Vice Consul Anna Tarnowska-Waszak, Brigadier General Sprengel and Louise Pemberton (daughter of S/Ldr Kellett). Following the national anthem from both countries a minute's silence was held. Brigadier General Sprengel and Mike Frackiewicz, our long-term volunteer and expert painter at Herston helped unveil the nameplate - it was he who proposed the idea many years ago of a possible renaming of one of our locos to 303 Squadron.
After the naming ceremony guests returned to Tunbridge Wells West hauled by 303 Squadron for cake with 303 Squadron's emblem brilliantly iced on top by our in-house chef Paul Gisby, along with drinks and free shots of Polish Vodka.
 |
|
Richard Green of Locos-in-Profile has designed two new prints displaying the newly named loco which can be purchased via this website.
 |
This 16 inch x 8 inch print portrays 34053 as 303 Squadron and is restricted to just 100 signed and numbered copies. |
 |
This signed 16 inch x 12 inch print shows 34053 as 303 Squadron and includes all the nameplates of the Battle of Britain class members plus illustrations of a Hurricane IA and Spitfire IIB flown by 303 Squadron. |
If you're not familiar with all this, see this video.
34070 Manston
Photographs of Manston still seem to appear on social media more than any others. However, it's been out of traffic for a little while with a middle piston problem which should now be resolved. The opportunity has also been taken to adjust the chain drive by one cog which will hopefully resolve the problem of it occasionally getting stuck in reverse gear.
 |
|
34072 257 Squadron
There's nothing to report on '72 which is busy on the Mid Hants Railway and performing well we understand. You can judge for yourself from this video by The Southerner of 34072 at work on 4th August.
 |
|
80104
The completion of 80104's boiler is now just weeks away with the small and flue tubes almost ready to be fitted. We are re-using the superheater elements and we are hopeful that a volunteer party can help clean and then pressure test them. The overhaul of the boiler has been a major undertaking, but it means that not only is it fit for 10 years, but for the next 10 years as well, barring renewal of tubes etc. None of this would have been possible had it not been for a sponsor who has lent SLL much of the funds to do the job, and the Swanage Railway itself who generously let us off our contribution for the use of Herston Works for three years so that we could contribute to the overall costs.
 |
|
We will be repaying the loan from our sponsor out of hire fee earnings over a long period of time as the cost of the overhaul has risen considerably as more faults were found. The hydraulic test should take place in six weeks with the boiler inspector present to check one week later.
After a further week the steam test will take place, again with the inspector present. Our staff will then refit the crinolines and cladding which are currently being painted at Margate in a dust free and currently unused area of the new One:One Museum. We're indebted to the latter for allowing us covered access as Sellindge is clearly not suitable. We have requested Tyseley to undertake further jobs which need to be organised before the loco returns to Herston. The stretcher underneath the cab which was given a temporary repair a few years ago has to be partially renewed but before that can be done the whole area needs to be cleaned and needle-gunned where necessary and painted. The bunker which has been removed needs thoroughly stripping and the base needs to be renewed. We were going to undertake this job at Herston but transport costs are such that we have asked Tyseley to quote for this.
 |
|
The last two major jobs involving the motion are the manufacture of three new piston rods and for the radius rods to be repaired. The company who could build up worn surfaces using a laser process has closed so Tyseley are seeking an alternative supplier. If no such organisation exists Tyseley themselves will use the original method of building up with weld.
There is clearly much work to do on 80104 with transfers of various items such as the steam manifold to Herston to spread the workload. Dependent on how long the cladding takes it is hoped that the locomotive can be moved into Herston Works before Christmas for final reconstruction which will take several months.
WD75050 - NORMAN
You may have noticed that our smallest locomotive has caused us some angst. The East Lancs Railway have kindly been storing the frames, saddle tank, cab and many parts at Bury since removal from our contractor in Bolton. We had hoped to transfer it to Herston this year but owing to the extended work on 80104's boiler, etc, it is clear that Norman would have to spend another Winter in Bury. We have therefore decided to return it to Sellindge where work can resume alongside the boiler which is getting attention from Lawrence Donaldson of the Kent & East Sussex Railway. |
|
A boiler inspection by Peter Hawkins revealed no unexpected problems and permission has been granted for the next step in its overhaul. Almost certainly Norman's rebuilding will be completed at Herston when there's suitable space. We want Norman to be completed as soon as possible not only because our sponsor has given us a considerable amount of money already for it, but also because it promises to be an easy loco to place on hire.
Sellindge - 34010 34058 35025
As it is our intention of trying to combine tasks on Sidmouth and Sir Freddie at the same time, most of the work undertaken since the last update has been on '58. A vast amount of man hours are being spent on cleaning the frames and applying the first coat of Rustoleum.
 |
|
Alan Chambers has an interesting online photo gallery of locos he's taken over the years which can be found here. He noticed that we were in the process of restoring Sidmouth and sent us the above photo, which has a commendably full caption.
As it was impossible for those trying to work on 34058 at Alresford to access many areas, we are having to remove both the 1960s dirt and the red painted areas so that eventually the entire frames will be uniformly coated. As can be seen from the accompanying photograph the frames are starting to look better inside and out, but there's a long way to go yet.
Allan Highman and Alan Kyte have been concentrating on the rear of the frames repeating the work already completed on Sidmouth, i.e. the removal of the wasted part of the frame extensions and replacement with new steel plate. Rivets have been removed where necessary and the plate temporarily bolted up prior to welding and eventually riveting together. It's painstaking and time-consuming work but obviously essential
 |
|
The crossheads and lower half of the 58's slidebars were all removed recently. The next job is the removal of the weighshaft, which will probably be a tougher job given the time it's been slowly rusting itself together. Clearly given the amount of work facing our staff and volunteers at Herston it is unlikely that either Sidmouth or Sir Freddie will be moving to Dorset before 2026 but at least we'll then have the time to ensure they're in the best possible condition for restoration.
If, as seems likely, Eddystone will feature on the Main Line it will be logical to fit through piping on Sidmouth whilst it's at this basic stage of restoration, so that it's ready for all the necessary equipment to be transferred from Eddystone on expiration of its boiler ticket. The likely replacement would probably be Sidmouth as it has had a huge amount of support from shareholders over the years and has had both Sir Keith Park queue-jump its restoration in 2008 and then Eddystone 10 years on.
 |
|
Following a visit to Tyseley by Bob Bevis and Graham Froud it has been agreed that Sir Fred's boiler can be transferred there to be worked on alongside Sidmouth's new boiler. With the former needing two new tubeplates and the latter definitely needing one, along with both needing new small tubes and flues and elements, clearly there is the opportunity for bulk purchase. There's the small problem of raising all the money for this but we're sure that will be overcome!
Unfortunately after careful measuring Martin Stables has concluded that all of Sir Fred's wheels need retyring on the basis that the driving wheel tyres definitely do, so therefore the bogie and pony truck have to be as well otherwise the ride height would differ. At a conservative estimate this job will be approximately £60,000 and adds to the fairly monumental task of getting '58 back into traffic!
Meanwhile Martin has been out with his measuring stick and has ascertained that all the new coil springs on Brocklebank Line's bogie are of the wrong dimensions and will have to be replaced. There is an original BR drawing for these which is specific in its requirement so it's somewhat of a mystery why the wrong size was fitted. At this stage it is unclear as to whether the pony truck springs will need replacing as well.
 |
|
With extra help in the form of Liam Treveil from the SpVR a start was made to repeat the exercise undertaken on both Sidmouth and Sir Fred - the removal of rivets on Brocklebank's rear frames to allow them to be split as clearly there is water ingress between the two plates. We also discovered on removal of the adapted West Country dragbox (now ready for installation on Sir Fred), that the rear of the frame extensions were so badly corroded that removal was essential, so once again steel plate has been ordered to correct. It is likely though that we will complete the two Light Pacific dragbox installations before moving on to '25 as we still have to build one, although we have someone interested in the project.
And Finally......
Ever since we returned to Sellindge in June 2020, courtesy of Brocklebank Line, we have had to contend often with a small river coming off the top field on its way down to Gibbons Brook (which is in the address of Hope Farm). The lay of the land resulted in water flowing under and around our mess hut which inevitably resulted in it rotting away. With a lot of help from a friendly neighbour, drainage channels have been scooped out and a drain installed which will hopefully result in it being slightly less muddy this year, as well as providing a drier environment for our new mess hut which we'll be swinging into place shortly. At the same time, we'll be helping the adjacent team who have nearly finished the restoration of 68078 by moving items such as the cab and saddletank, so that those items can be reinstated shortly, thereby leaving room for Norman's cab and saddletank!
 |
|
34053 303 Squadron's first movement. Note the 'Sold Mr Woodham' on the lower slide bar.
 |
|
On 23rd August the steam service on Swanage Railway today was U class 31806, bearing a wreath to commemorate Andy Crooks, who passed away earlier this year. Andy worked with us in Herston works for several years. He was much liked for his skill in welding and fitting, his working attitude and good nature. He is much missed. Our condolences to his family and friends. Photo: Dave Ensor
News Update - July 2024
You will have gathered the biggest gathering of Bulleids since 1967 took place on the Swanage Railway at Strictly Bulleid II. Four of the eight Bulleid locos taking part were ours. It was an exceptional feat by the Herston team and volunteers from SLL and the Railway to rebuild Sir Keith in just 13 weeks from its arrival back from Tyseley. All four locos performed faultlessly over the weekend and couldn't have been a better advertisement for the Company. As usual Manston drew the most comments - all favourable, especially once it was explained why it looked a wee bit different from 257 Squadron to those who hadn't seen a dirty steam loco before.
 |
|
The weekend was such a stunning success that as a thank you to the Railway for taking the real risk of laying out tens of thousands of pounds for transport, we waived all our fees for both Sir Keith and 257, which then enabled the SR to utilise both locos on normal service trains following the event which was appreciated by all.
 |
|
We can be proud of the achievement in having four Pacifics operational at the same time - something which no other locomotive owning group has managed in the preservation era. Certainly no other organisation is crazy enough to have another three under restoration, but as we've already proved anything is possible with staff, volunteers and supporters as loyal as ours.
All of this hasn't just happened by good luck but by a lot of hard work and consistency by many going back over 40 years, and it is testimony to the foundations laid down by Bill Trite and colleagues to offer ownership in a steam locomotive, virtually unheard of in 1983. That led to the successful organisation we have today. Along the way we've collected locomotives and sponsorship through the success of Willie Bath in procurement and getting jobs done, with locomotives restored despite much adversity. Today Graham Froud has taken over the mantle and all who were in Swanage the first weekend of June could see the results of his ability to get people to pull together.
STRICTLY BULLEID II
It's hard to overstate the impact on those visiting Swanage on 7 - 9th June for a steam gala of record breaking scale. 56 years after their BR role finished there are 12 Bulleid Pacifics in working condition. Of those, eight spent three days of intensive use on the seven miles of Swanage Railway's line:
34028 Eddystone, 34053 Sir Keith Park, 34070 Manston, 34072 257 Squadron, 34081 92 Squadron, 34092 City of Wells, 35006 P & O.35018 British India Line.
(34046 Braunton, 35028 Clan Line and 34067 Tangmere, were busy earning a living on the Big Railway, and 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair has just re-entered service.)
 |
|
Four of these locos were restored by SLL and were together in steam for the first time. This was a major landmark - the result of 36 years hard work.
Trains ran every 45 minutes between Swanage and River Frome, where the branch approaches the main line at Worgret Junction. There were three rakes of coaches, top and tailed by two, three or even four locos. When a train arrived at Swanage another left three minutes later. Trains crossed at Corfe Castle, and often shed or gained a loco.
For those at Corfe Castle the impression was an endless permutation of trains and locos of intensity exceeding the Southern Region in its halcyon days. There were a few issues; 92 Squadron dropped out with a leaking superheater element after Day 1, and on the Saturday afternoon three ladies were taken ill at Corfe Castle in the course of an hour.
 |
|
SLL set up shop in the yard of Corfe Castle, conveniently close to the burger bar and beer tent. Many of our supporters called in to say hello, and we signed up a good number of new shareholders. Andy and Gerri Ford hosted the Friends of Sir Frederick Pile tent and Dave Ensor's superb photos were on sale.
Congratulations and thanks to all those at Swanage Railway and others for making this such a success.
 |
|
Tickets for nearly 5000 visitor-days were sold by Swanage Railway, exceeding any railway gala you could shake a stick at, and leaving lasting memories for all. Such a gathering may never recur, and Strictly Bulleid II will go down in history as the Woodstock of steam galas.......you should have been there.
Many photographs from the gala have been posted. There are a number from SLL supporters in this this gallery.
There are also many excellent videos on YouTube, Facebook, etc. Here are a couple from The Southerner and from 04clemea.
34070 - MANSTON
Who would have predicted the impact that Manston would have in railway circles simply by not being cleaned. It's certainly got us more publicity than the rest of our fleet put together, so it will continue to represent the real appearance of the majority of locos in the sixties a while longer.
 |
|
There are still issues with the locomotive occasionally getting stuck in reverse but that may be a problem with the chain itself.
34028 - EDDYSTONE
As ever there's little to report on this locomotive which has performed faultlessly, apart from the fact it's just had a boiler washout. It will be transferred to Herston in October for a Piston and Valve examination.
 |
|
34072 - 257 SQUADRON
257 Squadron was welcomed back to the Swanage Railway in late May, some 23 years after the Railway became its home base in 1991. It was a flagship locomotive for the Railway for many years and was missed when it moved away. However, the good news it will be back early in the New Year for a piston and valve examination in Herston Works, and is likely to make some test runs then.
After the Gala 257 travelled to the Mid-Norfolk Railway at Dereham where it spent a couple of weeks of successful operation. The final weekend of service was 7/8 July and the loco was transferred, as soon as it had cooled down, to Tunbridge Wells. However, a problem with one of its driving springs and the time it takes to warm through and prepare a Pacific meant that time ran out for it to appear at the planned gala over the weekend of 13/14 July. A further delay to SKP's return from Swanage owing to a transporter breakdown led to the cancellation of the Gala, however both locos were in operation the following weekend.
 |
|
At the end of the month 257 will be transferred to the Mid-Hants Railway where it is contracted to stay until the 4th January. When space permits it will then be transferred to Herston Works for a piston and valve examination.
34053 - SIR KEITH PARK
SKP operated service trains in the week following SB2 and was due to depart Dorset to its home base at 75F in time for the proposed Spa Valley Gala in mid-July, however heavy haulage problems with both locos led to the cancellation as mentioned above.
 |
|
34058 - SIR FREDERICK PILE
We've finally been able to start work on the frames removing 60 year old clag and preparing the surface for a coat of Rustoleum. Once again the weather has disrupted progress so paint has just been applied. Work removing bolts, rivets and lifting brackets on the frame extensions is now complete, so with rivets ordered and compressor mended we will soon be arranging for a rivetter to visit Sellindge. At the same time we will be offering up the new dragbox and no doubt find once again that holes drilled in the dragbox don't all match those drilled in the frames.
 |
|
We are awaiting a visit from the boiler inspector on 22nd July to provide an initial survey and then a move to Tyseley is planned. The driving wheels will need to be reprofiled but before the wheelsets are dispatched they have to be cleaned and painted - not a five minute job! All tasks at Herston were suspended to ensure the completion of Sir Keith Park, so now we can bring the mezzanine floor into use. Once this is done all of Sir Fred's parts will be brought from various quarters to be sorted and catalogued with duplicates of which there are apparently many allocated to Sidmouth.
If any of our Kent based (or further afield) shareholders have a desire to help do please join us - there are tasks to suit all skillsets. Likewise we would appreciate help from others at our occasional volunteer sessions at Tyseley.
34010 - SIDMOUTH
With the compressor fixed and much preparation work completed, the replacement new frame extensions will now be welded on and then riveted ready to accept the new drag box. If it stops raining for more than a few hours we will take the tarps off it and check if any of the Rustoleum needs touching up having had two Winters since we did it. At some point soon Tyseley will inspect the boiler and forward a quote for the overhaul.
 |
|
35025 - BROCKLEBANK LINE
When the weather and numbers permit we will continue to work on the frames - unfortunately many areas were painted without any proper preparation so significant amounts of rust now need to be removed, especially around the areas of the cylinders, which are difficult to get at. One of the guys from one of our new-found fabrication companies has volunteered to do the drawing of the plans for '25's new dragbox. In a repeat exercise of '10 and '58 we'll also be ordering the steel for the frame extensions which apparently wasn't deemed necessary in past times, despite about a foot being missing!
 |
|
80104
 |
|
In Herston the side rods have had all the bearings pressed out to access the rod openings whilst all the pipework is being checked with repairs as required.
 |
|
Meanwhile at Tyseley the firebox work is completed, the new front tubeplate fitted and the bunker is being removed for transportation to Herston where the floor will be replaced. At the same time the cab roof will also be removed for repairs. Hopefully the locomotive will be returned to Herston Works within the next month or two, with the overhaul expected to be completed during the Winter.
75050 - NORMAN
Work on the boiler can finally resume having now got our compressor back into action. It's been a saga to get it repaired mainly because the company we have been using for parts etc quoted £8000 to fix it - nearly three times more than the purchase price which three of the team subsidised last year. Fortunately one of the Sellindge regulars has a friend who fixed the problem for a couple of hundred pounds so it was worth the wait!
 |
|
The East Lancs are still kindly storing the rest of the locomotive which will be transferred to Herston in 2025. The decision to prioritise this loco is two-fold. First an inordinate amount of money was given to the individual who was meant to be overhauling it, all provided by our major sponsor. The biggest task of splitting the cylinder and getting it back into the frames was completed. The second reason is that it will be the easiest locomotive to hire out, especially as so much has been renewed it will almost be like a new locomotive, and its earnings will be vital to support the restoration of Sidmouth and Sir Frederick Pile.
and finally....
Don't forget to take a look at our YouTube channel which now has 75 videos focused on SLL locos at work and in the workshop and can be found here.
......a birds-eye view of Strictly Bulleid II. Photo: James Taviner
May 2024
34070 Manston heads a freight train on the Mid Hants Railway on a chilly 24th February. Photo: Nytram Mattat
From the Chairman
Some months ago we noted that if we completed Sir Keith Park quickly, and borrowed 257 Squadron from the Spa Valley, we could have our four operational Bulleid Pacifics in steam at Swanage. Swanage Railway picked up on this and came up with the plan for Strictly Bulleid II, a re-run of their memorable 2017 Gala, with even more Bulleids in steam!
The railway are offering six in steam for the gala on June 7 - 9th June, Eddystone, Manston, 257 Squadron, City of Wells, 92 Squadron and Peninsular & Oriental S.N.Co. Tickets are now on sale.
However we are confident that a seventh loco, Sir Keith Park, will be taking part too. It's cost SLL a lot to ensure SKP will be ready as we've paid for extra hours from our staff and kept the Works open five days a week. We've contracted Swanage Railway staff to assist, and our volunteers have given their all. We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to Tyseley Works for ensuring that Sir Keith was reboilered, had the smokebox and superheater header replaced and the boiler fully retubed in record time to enable it to return to Herston just a month after the boiler had arrived in Birmingham.
 |
|
34072 257 Squadron
34072 257 Squadron has become a firm favourite at the Spa Valley and doubtless it will be missed for the latter half of this year, although the return of Sir Keith Park will compensate more than a little.
The plan is for it to leave Tunbridge Wells in the week commencing 26th May and transfer to Swanage courtesy S.A.Smith our preferred haulier. He has a tight schedule at that time moving Bulleids all over the Country! Following the Gala 257 Squadron will be transferred to the Mid Norfolk Railway for a couple of weeks where it will join former SLL Standard tank 80078 and then return to the Spa Valley for several weeks including the mid-July Summer Gala alongside Sir Keith Park. After that 257 Squadron will move to the Mid Hants where it will stay until the New Year.
 |
|
At the end of July, 257 will move to the Mid-Hants Railway, and will stay until the New Year. Following this it will transfer to Swanage where a valve and piston exam will be undertaken in Herston Works before a planned return to the Spa Valley.
34053 Sir Keith Park
As mentioned we have spared no expense to get this locomotive ready for Strictly Bulleid II, and we must thank all the workforce and volunteers for making it happen, and once again proves that we have a team second to none.
At the time of writing, all the motion, pipework, packings, and cladding have been reinstated. The smokebox is now completed with steampipes fitted by the time you read this along with the brick arch in the firebox. The cab is now complete and fitted out, including our new brake ejector, although some of the gauges haven't been fitted as a precaution against damage. The tender went into the goods shed and painting commenced on 24th April. There were two or three jobs necessary including the renewal of the safety link pins which connect the loco to the tender, and temporary repairs to the rubbing block, to get it through Strictly Bulleid II, pending the order of a new one. Our painters have now painted the whole loco, with lining out next. We have contracted others to paint the tender.
 |
|
Geoff Reber has been reinstating or renewing all of the electrical components but we've hit a problem with the turbo generator. This was pretty much life expired when it arrived at Tunbridge Wells, and the noise and vibration forced the Spa to find an alternative source of lighting which they did, utilising batteries and LEDs. This system was completely successful but as the whirr of the generator at night is all part of the Bulleid experience, we decided to expend the funds to get the turbo generator overhauled at a specialist company in Southampton, which we've used for a similar purpose over the years. However, the cost of this overhaul has now doubled to over £4000, so Sir Keith is staying currently on battery power.
The official steam test for Sir Keith is scheduled for 23rd May, the boiler having been steam tested off the frames some months ago at the North Norfolk Railway. As Strictly Bulleid II is being backed by Trackside magazine, we will be featured quite heavily in upcoming issues.
34028 Eddystone
Once again there is nothing much to report as far as Eddystone is concerned, but we did spot this great photo of it at Horsted Keynes taken by Roger Cruse of the Bulleid Society who has helped our cause since Day 1. Some planned maintenance work will take place in the Autumn in Herston Works.
 |
|
34070 Manston
This locomotive must have been the most photographed loco in the south of England - its weathered appearance appearing to be favoured by the vast majority of those who have commented. Peter Spowage organised a group from the Guild of Railway Artists to capture its current condition outside the shed on the Mid-Hants last Thursday. Their task was to complete their painting on the day.
 |
|
 |
|
Following its appearance at the Mid Hants gala (28th April) it's due to have an oil and paraffin wipe over to continue the BR look.
80104
Whilst work continues on the boiler and with completion of the contract now just weeks away, volunteers have been undertaking further work saving both time and revenue. The boiler side of 80104's tanks were de-rusted, cleaned and painted as unreachable once the boiler is reinstated. The stretcher under the cab floor needs a proper repair as only a temporary one was undertaken whilst in service, as it is very difficult to get at that area with the boiler on. We've therefore asked Tyseley to undertake this job as well as lifting the bunker. This will be taken separately to Herston where a new floor will be installed by our staff.
 |
|
It is probable that the boiler inspector will review the repairs during the week commencing 13th May and following confirmation that all is well, retubing will take place. Two members of staff will travel to Tyseley to fit the crinolines and cladding once they can be spared from Herston. This gives us approximately six weeks to finish cleaning and painting some large sheets at Sellindge, which the poor weather has precluded us from completing until now. All the smaller parts have been repaired or renewed and are ready to be transported to Tyseley.
When 80078 failed with a fractured steam pipe on the Spa Valley, we lent the Spa one of 80104's, which itself was fairly worn. They are quite a strange shape and certainly not something you can buy off the shelf. We were therefore pleased to learn that Stewart Robinson, the owner of '78, had found a company who've agreed to manufacture a new set. Owing to the 'bulk' order for 4 the price was reduced and Stewart kindly split the savings with us.
We expect that the locomotive will return to Herston shortly after Sir Keith Park has departed and that completion of the locomotive will take six to eight months, in time for the 2025 season.
34010 Sidmouth
Following a meeting at Tyseley our Midlands volunteers returned to start cleaning the boiler prior to inspection which will determine the work needed on the it. Meanwhile down at Sellindge we still await weather suitable for the welding of the frame extentions.
 |
|
34058 Sir Frederick Pile
Anyone who follows our weekly postings on on our Facebook page will know that we've had to work extremely hard dismantling this locomotive. We've had plenty of experience in the past pulling Barry wrecks apart, but they had lain rusting away for a mere 30 years or less, not 60.
As reported earlier this year the boiler was removed just prior to the bad weather and placed on sleepers opposite Sidmouth. The first job was to lift the regulator out of the boiler which is always an awkward job especially given the weight of the unit. It proved impossible to remove a couple of the bolts which had rusted solid and could only be felt rather than seen. Knowing that the front tubeplate was well past its sell-by date Allan Highman cut a hole to gain access and after effort the regulator was finally freed and taken through the dome.
 |
|
The boiler was cleaned out over two Tuesdays to make it as clean as possible for the boiler inspector to make his judgments on what needs to be done when he visits in mid-May. A huge amount of scale had accumulated from its two to three years use on BR since overhaul and then from the tubes being dragged out at Bitton on the Avon Valley, where it was stored for many of its 60 years out of traffic. Once we have the boiler report we will liaise with Tyseley Works to ascertain if they want to take on the job and obtain an initial quotation. We are hopeful that they will undertake both Sir Fred's and Sidmouth's boiler at the same time.
The dragbox was finally fully removed from Sir Fred's frames in March after a lot of work, principally by Allan and Harry Highman and Paul Cass. This then enabled us to remove the trailing truck which allowed the jacking up of the frames to see if the axleboxes were jammed in the horn guides. Even though soaked in WD40 and similar over several weeks as the frames were lifted the driving wheels came up with them. However, Richard Moffatt with the experience of releasing Sir Keith's axleboxes 20 years ago, applied the heating torch to the frames above the boxes, and with the aid of Hugh Topham on the sledge from above driving in fox wedges between the frames and the top of the boxes, all the wheels are now back on the rails.
 |
|
The next stage is jacking the frames higher to remove the bogie at which time we'll remove the steel girder which served as a temporary buffer beam. Before the frames can be lifted from the wheels we have to split the crossheads from the pistons. Having successfully removed the cotters we started the process of using the crosshead splitter kindly lent to us by the MNLPS - we have to congratulate them for the speedy return of Clan Line back to the main line just five weeks after having its hydraulic test.
Providing the operation goes smoothly on all three crossheads we should then be able to plan a date for lifting the frames and rolling out the wheelsets, which is almost impossible with the wheelsets in.
 |
|
It is planned to start sorting out all of Sir Fred's many components stored in two packed containers at Herston once the mezzanine floor is completed in the Works. This new area will allow for the hundreds of items to be identified and stored so that we can see exactly what we have. Work on the mezzanine which we are doing in-house had to be temporarily suspended as everyone has been put on to Sir Keith Park. There are still a few items not delivered to Dorset, principally the steel plate for a new tender.
Dean, one of our team at Sellindge has taken it upon himself to build various items from pen holders to robots from the tubes and superheater elements from Sir Fred which would normally end up in the scrap skip. They're proving very popular and he can't make them fast enough. We occasionally drag him out of his workshop and make him do some loco restoration.
35025 Brocklebank Line
The very poor weather since November has resulted in less work than was planned for Brocklebank Line's frames although we have managed to clear and paint a few more areas - it just takes an inordinate time especially where red topcoat has been applied as it all has to be removed. There are a lot more nooks and crannies on a Merchant than a Light Pacific, some of which are incredibly difficult to get to. Clearly Sir Frederick Pile and Sidmouth must take priority at the moment as at some point our staff and volunteers at Herston will be awaiting their arrival. However, rest assured if we continue to have so many volunteers and some dry weather, we'll be able to progress '25 accordingly.
 |
|
With the arrival of a new mess hut at Sellindge, it was very opportune that we had a request from a haulier based in Sussex as to whether they could borrow one of our boilers for a few months, for display purposes on one of their vehicles. Currently Brocklebank's boiler is parked right in front of the current mess hut so with it temporarily gone we'll be able to drag the old one out and with the aid of a Hiab swing the new one into position. Paul Gisby, our in-house chef, and Peter Spowage have already acquired a fully fitted kitchen and built it in and are now awaiting the arrival of various accoutrements that they've somehow acquired - if we tire of pulling locomotives apart we'll just open a restaurant down there.
As we painted '25's boiler back in 2020/1 it was looking a bit tired so that's currently having a repaint and just so it looks more presentable to the public, the front tubeplate has been de-rusted and painted red and the handrails painted black. As we'll have an advertisement on the boiler for SLL it won't have been a waste of time if we sell a couple of shares, as we're sure we will - to the haulier if no-one else!
DX trips
This year's DX days, 26 - 28th March went as planned and were well received by the 36 shareholders taking part. As usual we were at Swanage, and our loco was 34028 Eddystone. Each day we had six round trips to Norden, with a pair of shareholders supervised by Swanage Railway's regular crews, who gave us all excellent instruction. With 800+ shareholders and 36 places it's just as well that we don't have too many applicants, though we were obliged to disappoint around a dozen. We try to choose applicants as fairly as we can, the only firm rule being that new shareholders get priority. Huge thanks to the Swanage footplate crews, guards, signallers, opps team, and so on for making the event possible and rewarding.
 |
|
Strictly Bulleid II
As you'll have seen the gala should break all the records for Bulleids in steam since BR days. Our stand will be near the goods shed refreshment tent at Corfe Castle station, where you'll be able to talk to us and see some of our namplates and railwayana. Come and say hello.
92 Squadron and Sir Keith Park at the 2017 Strictly Bulleid Gala. The upcoming Strictly Bulleid II will be like this, but with even more Bulleids! Photo: Nathan Au
February 2024
On 14th December the overhauled boiler was lifted on to the frames of Sir Keith Park at Tyseley. Photo: Malcolm Garner
From the Chairman
We would like to thank all those who have supported us through 2023, without whose help we could not have possibly achieved so much. Over the years our shareholders have raised much of the money needed to restore eight locos, and when 80104 and Sir Keith Park are complete we will have overhauled five of them. If our support remains strong we will deliver on our remaining restorations and continue to do the 10-year overhauls as they become due.
 |
|
We pick up the news from mid-November when the cranes arrived to lift Sir Fred's boiler, which went like a treat. However the same can't be said for all aspects of our operation, but with nine locomotives in the fleet there's always going to be one or more with problems. We're also at the mercy of the elements, and weather has played havoc with our Winter plans at Sellindge. We'll have to catch up when the days get longer.
34058 Sir Frederick Pile
The 130 ton crane arrived at Sellindge on the morning of 7th November. By midday it had lifted the boiler, balanced perfectly, at the first attempt and swung it across to place on the frame of sleepers in front of one of the electric units on site.
 |
|
Since then all the driving springs have been released and await collection for repair. With the springs weighing in at about three or four hundredweight and conducting the removal exercise sitting under the loco is no mean task. We are hopeful that Owen's Springs will deem them repairable although the cost of overhaul will be significant. To enable the lifting of the frames we will now have to drop the axleboxes - the middle two appeared to be jammed in the horn guides when unloading of the loco took place, but with experience from removing Brocklebank Line's, it shouldn't be too much of a drama.
We have removed the dragbox from Brocklebank Line which was actually built (by its previous owner) to Light Pacific dimensions, and all looks good for it to replace '58's which is so much scrap. It's been thoroughly stripped and with a coat of Rustoleum looks as good as new.
 |
|
34072 257 Squadron
One of our problem locos was the Squadron, which was scheduled to work Polar Express trains at Spa Valley. On the second day of PE operation a universal joint connecting the injector control handles to the injectors somehow dropped off the loco, and despite a search of the track in the darkness and rain it couldn't be found. This has never happened to any of our locos before, and it couldn't have happened at a worse time. However, thanks to some smart work we managed to get the complete set of injector controls from Sir Keith Park in case anything else went amiss. These went from Herston to Tunbridge Wells in a few hours and it was back in service by the Saturday, missing only one day of service.
 |
|
Just a few days later when the locomotive was at full pressure a mudhole door joint failed. It's not a long job to replace a joint but it can't be done when the boiler is hot, meaning a three delay before the job could start. As another joint looked suspect the Spa replaced all four. Then after one day's service a bogie spring fractured, another very rare event for us. Once again the jungle telegraph sprung into action and the parts were picked up from Swanage and transported to the Spa in a few hours, and duly fitted by their volunteers. Thanks all round. We were able to salvage the last four days but this trio of issues cost us substantial income.
257 Squadron will remain at the Spa Valley Railway until the middle or late May when it is planned to move to Swanage to participate in the proposed gala the first weekend of June. This is all in the planning stage at Swanage so we are awaiting confirmation that it will happen. However, providing that Sir Keith Park is completed in time this would be the best opportunity for us to have all four of our working Bulleids together at the same time.
34053 Sir Keith Park
After many months of frustrating delays Sidmouth's old boiler finally had its initial steam test on the 8th December. It had originally been planned for the NNR to then reinstate the superheater header and elements but we were advised somewhat late in the day that the header may have needed some repairs.
 |
|
So we immediately transferred the boiler to Tyseley, as with Sir Keith's arrival we had the opportunity of using its header which we knew was fine. The boiler was fitted into the frames immediately on arrival and we're pleased to report that there were no problems with the rear 'feet', which can be a problem unless they are set at precisely the correct angle to sit on a different set of frames. However, a delay occurred as the new ashpan locating pins were the wrong size. A new set had to be ordered in Birmingham which couldn't be manufactured until the new year. We're hoping for rapid progress culminating in a full steam test.
 |
|
The smokebox will soon be reunited with its new boiler following a hydraulic test of '53's original superheater header. This can be undertaken without a boiler inspector being present. As soon as this is done the header will be reinstated and the elements connected, making way for a full steam test. This will ensure that any steam leaks are made apparent before its return to Herston. All three expansion links have now been ground, a job we knew had to be done some time ago, so the motion should now be complete.
 |
|
Meanwhile our plans to rename the locomotive 303 Squadron for a year advance. On a visit to RAF Northholt, from which 303 flew in the Battle of Britain, we were kindly shown around the museum area in the Officers Mess by the son of one of 303's pilots who gave an interesting talk on the Squadron's exploits. Owing to other commitments by a delegation flying over from Poland, we will be holding the re-commissioning ceremony at Eridge on Sunday 1st September, a week earlier than anticipated. The nameplates are ordered and Richard Green is working on the crests.
34028 Eddystone
As usual Eddystone has behaved itself, and from photos all over Facebook appears to have hauled the majority of Polar Express services at Swanage. There is nothing else to report - not very exciting news for updates but excellent for the health of Southern Locomotives finances and workshop resources!
 |
|
34070 Manston
Since our last update, Manston has moved to the Mid Hants Railway where it will stay for several months. That railway was short of locos and Swanage Railway will recoup our hire fees, particularly welcome at a time when they are appealing for financial support.
 |
|
This ever popular locomotive continues to impress and is a favourite for photographers in its weathered finish. Many have remarked on Manston's sharper beat than other three cylinder locos, and can be heard from published videos. Manston will be returned to Swanage by June but we hope there will be a few events on the Mid-Hants where Manston will be centre stage.
80104
Work continues on the boiler at Tyseley, parts at Swanage, and cladding at Sellindge. Recent photographs show good progress though inevitably extra work has been found as the overhaul continues. The long job of building up the tube holes on the rear copper tubeplate is completed. The front tubeplate is now ready to be fitted, with tubing expected to start in February or March. Our volunteer working parties have helped the job along. A section has been cut out of the cab floor the damaged stretcher directly beneath it, which was temporarily repaired at Swanage. This can now be properly examined and appropriate action taken. |
|
34010 Sidmouth
We will be visiting Tyseley to discuss various matters including Sir Keith's boiler overhaul which we will refer to as Sidmouth's from now on. The speed of work on this will de dependent on fund raising, but we're hopeful that with so many supporters of this particular locomotive wishing to see it back in steam, work will commence sooner rather than later.
 |
|
Both the weather and our faulty compressor have meant a delay to the riveting work necessary on the frame extensions, along with the reinstatement of the new dragbox. With the compressor under repair now it will only be the weather which causes any further delays. There will be a small amount of touching up to do this Spring following its first coat of Rustoleum, but given the appalling conditions with tarpaulins literally disintegrating, the paintwork has stood up remarkably well, a testament to the care in the preparation of the surfaces. We don't intend to do a proper paint job on the frames until shortly before dispatch to Herston Works.
35025 Brocklebank Line
The weather has prevented any proper progress since the last update, with not a completely dry working day since then. However, one of the fabrication companies we've got to know are very keen on producing a new dragbox so we are awaiting a quote from them. We are also hoping to send the springs away for checking at the same time as Sir Fred's are dispatched. Given that the locomotive was being reassembled for operational use back in the early 2000s we assume that the springs were professionally overhauled then, so hopefully the 15 years of inactivity haven't caused too much damage. Visually they look absolutely fine but it will be good to get professional confirmation.
|
|
The weather hasn't stopped Liam Treveil from the Spa with his grandfather Alan grinding 101 of the 190 rivets securing the front tubeplate as the first stage in removing it. It's a laborious job but will save a significant sum when it is eventually sent for overhaul. It would not be sensible to actually remove it completely prior to dispatch as it's an integral support for the barrel, rather let the boilersmiths take it out when we have the new one ready to go in.
75050 Norman
This locomotive has been conspicuous by its absence recently. The reason being that currently we have been unable to find anyone who can start the reassembly of the locomotive, and there's currently no room in Herston. Fortunately work has restarted on the boiler which we brought to Sellindge, but again the weather and compressor problems haven't helped matters. However, during November Lawrence Donaldson from the KESR restarted the overhaul and progress should be accelerated once the rain stops. All other components of the locomotive are kindly being stored on the East Lancs Railway.
Hawkinge
When we first visited the Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge the airfield was still unspoilt and operational. Times have changed and there is now a housing estate with a large Lidl store on the site - the irony of the latter establishment being built where Hurricanes and Spitfires were based did not escape anyone!
 |
|
The Battle of Britain Museum has continued to expand, and as Owners of no less than four 'Battle of Britains' we thought it appropriate that we should have a presence within the Museum, to both advertise Southern Locomotives and to show our support. Dave Brocklehurst MBE, the Chairman, is very enthusiastic about the idea and to kick start our closer relationship we privately purchased from Procast a replica Hawkinge nameplate and presented it to Dave, and some of his volunteers, in November at the Museum.
Social Media, the Good, the Bad and the others
This website clocks up about 60 visits per day, mainly from the UK, with a fair sprinkling from further away mainly in anglophone countries. The Latest News page (this one!) is by far the most visited and the other pages are there for those who are looking for more details of our loco restoration projects and our organisation. We send an expanded version of the Latest News to our 800+ shareholders which goes into more detail of the work going on, the operation of the company and financial issues.
Our Facebook page acts like a gigantic fishing net, with a huge reach. Surprisingly the post which has attracted most views recently was not one with glamorous photos of locos in action, it was a simple photo of Sir Keith Park in Herston work, partly assembled. The accompanying text reprised our advertisement for a Fitter/Machinist position for Herston works. That reached the screens of 299,377 folk around the world. Several people commented that it was a marvellous job and they'd throw in their current employment if they lived in Dorset, we had interest from a chap in Tennesee and another from 'The Antipodes'. Fortunately sifting through the responses there were a handful of genuine interests which we are pursuing.
We're still inviting interest from anyone with skill and experience as a Fitter/Machinist to join the team at Herston working on our locos. If you're interested please drop an email to Bob Bevis at bob.bevis@southern-locomotives.co.uk
Photos and Videos
We've made two initiatives to improve the scope of photos and videos of our locos. Firstly to launch a Flickr group to which photographers can add their work, and secondly enhancements to our YouTube channel.
Photos
Flickr is a well established system to store and display, and also sell copies of photos. Our Flickr group can be found here.
Anyone can see the photos which you can find here.
If/when you're a member you can search for the "Southern Locomotives Ltd" from the home page, and you can join that group. There's no cost to open a basic Flickr account, which is all you need to posting and viewing photos. We hope many of you will join up and share your photos. Please pick some of your best photos, or those of special interest, and strictly related to SLL's fleet of locos.
Videos
We've had a YouTube video channel for some years, but it's not been added to very often, and we suspect most readers of our website did not know it exists.
The newly enhanced video channel can be found here.
You may also be interested in a documentary about 303 Squadron's creation and their role in the Battle of Britain here.
And finally
 |
|