Current status – updated 12th June 2022:-
On 19th and 26th May test runs were successfully completed with 19 on a short freight train between Heywood and Ramsbottom. The restoration work is now effectively complete with the vacuum brake system installed and operational as well as final painting and varnishing being complete.
19 is scheduled to feature in the East Lancashire Railway’s event on 18th/19th June celebrating the centenary of the merger between the L&Y and L&NW
Railways. This will include operation on passenger trains, almost certainly for the first time in its 112-year history, see our News Update at the right hand side of this screen.
The image above shows 19 heading through Bolton Street towards Castlecroft Yard after passing the final steam test on 29th April.
Below are links to short videos of 19 on test (these are from Youtube and open in a new window) –
19 being trialled on 20th April by hauling a Sulzer diesel around Buckley Wells Yard – click here
19 working a test train just north of Bury on 26h May – click here
a further short video on a test train North of Bury on 26th May – click here
Updated 26th May 2022
On 29th April 2022 the final steam test in presence of the insurance inspector took place and was passed, various small jobs and fitting of the vacuum brake system remain to be completed.
On 15th April 2022 (Good Friday) a trial steam test was carried out on almost fully completed 19, and it moved under its own steam for 52 years in Buckley Wells yard without incident. A small amount of snagging has been found necessary from trial, other work remaining includes finishing the vacuum brake system, various small jobs and final painting.
Updated 28th February 2022
Following passing a hydraulic test a small fire was lit on 18th February 2022 in advance of a steam test in a few days time.
By 23rd February 2022 a trial steaming was completed up to 125psi without any problems being encountered. Then by 8th March 2022 the boiler had passed a full steam test out of the frames and a trial assembly with saddletank, chimney and dome was made.
Updated 8th March 2022
Following dismantling at the East Lancashire Railway and Non Destructive Testing of the boiler, the trustees decided to proceed with a restoration to steam under a contract.
The work involves a reasonable amount of work on the boiler, with many ‘industrial’ fittings applied during 30 years of private industry use needing replacement, and systems such as vacuum braking equipment will need to be fitted.
Current status:-
On 15th April 2022 (Good Friday) a trial steam test was carried out on almost fully completed 19, and it moved under its own steam for 52 years in Buckley Wells yard without incident. A small amount of snagging has been found necessary from trial, other work remaining includes finishing the vacuum brake system, various small jobs and final painting. Telltale smoke can be seen from the chimney can be seen in the above photo from (and featuring) Callum Porter.
Updated 15th April 2022
Following passing a hydraulic test a small fire was lit on 18th February 2022 in advance of a steam test in a few days time.
By 23rd February 2022 a trial steaming was completed up to 125psi without any problems being encountered. Then by 8th March 2022 the boiler had passed a full steam test out of the frames and a trial assembly with saddletank, chimney and dome was made.
Updated 8th March 2022
Following dismantling at the East Lancashire Railway and Non Destructive Testing of the boiler, the trustees decided to proceed with a restoration to steam under a contract.
The work involves a reasonable amount of work on the boiler, with many ‘industrial’ fittings applied during 30 years of private industry use needing replacement, and systems such as vacuum braking equipment will need to be fitted.
We ae actively seeking funds to meet the costs, following detailed examination and dismantling it’s been possible to draw up a list of work expected to complete the project.
It was hoped that the restoration would be complete by the end of 2021, but now likely to be late spring of 2022 following detailed investigation of the saddletank indicating that a new tank would be required. On 18th February 2022 the new tank is nearly ready for fitting and the boiler has passed an initial hydraulic test out of the frames under the supervision of the insurance inspector.
By 8th March an official steam test has been passed and the opportunity taken to carry out a trial assembly of the boiler, tank, chimney and dome as in the image from Callum Porter.
Donations are still welcome towards the costs of the project, which can be found here
Further details and photos of the work in progress can be seen in our page under OUR COLLECTION for Pug 19 here
