The 5305 Locomotive Association has provided an update on the work they are carrying out on a historic locomotive.
The association, based at the Great Central Railway, dedicates itself to running an maintaining some of the best examples of British steam and diesel locomotives.
They are currently overhauling 777 Sir Lamiel, which is part of the national collection. Sir Lamiel is an N15 “King Arthur” class 4-6-0 locomotive built for the Southern Railway by the North British Locomotive Company in June 1925.
The 5305 Locomotive Association launched an appeal in 2020 called the ‘Knights of the Round table’, which sought £80,000 to help fund the painstaking work.
Alan Berck-May, Chairman of the 5305 Locomotive Association, said: “We’ve made good progress on Sir Lamiel’s overhaul. Obviously, the COVID 19 restrictions have affected progress.
“Our target is to return Sir Lamiel to working order in time to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2025.
“The overhaul will be to full mainline standard and will be based at Loughborough on the Great Central Railway.
“Initial work to strip down the locomotive began in 2020. The boiler was lifted from the Frames in October 2021. The internal boiler surfaces have been cleaned up, and all the cladding is being removed. The good news is that the boiler inspector has completed his examination, and our assessment of the work required has been confirmed. With no major issues found, we can push forward with the overhaul.
“Work is continuing on the tender. All the brake gear has been removed, cleaned up and painted and is now being stored. Currently, we are preparing the tender for lifting. This will enable the tender bogies to be run out for examination and cleaning.
“The motion, pistons and valves have been removed from the frames. The cylinders will require reboring and new liners fitting. Work has also started on preparing the insides of the loco’s frames for painting. Degreasing is also continuing on the outside of the frames. The plan is to lift the frames from the wheels this year.
“We have, with help from the Great Central Railway, invested in two containers to store components securely.
“The news from the boiler inspector is very welcome,” Alan added. “However, the cost of the copper bar for the replacement stays and new tubes etc., will not be cheap. Orders will need to be placed soon if we are to meet our target of 2024.”
There are a few ways you can help the association meet its challenge:
- Joining the Knights of the Round Table is the main way of supporting the overhaul of Sir Lamiel.
- There is also the opportunity to make a one-off or regular monthly donation.
- The association is still looking to increase its membership, and the numbers of working volunteers, especially anyone willing to join the sales stand team. They said anyone interested in being a part of the association’s work should click here for more.
Photo credit: Locomotive Association
