June 2026

During June, work continued on 30076. The removal of the studs in the smokebox was completed and the ends of the rear buffer beam have been cut off to reduce the width. The side tanks continue to be abraded to remove the old paint and one of the old sign plates has been removed.

The front buffers were undercoated. The rear buffers were removed and a start made rubbing them down. The cab doors received a further undercoat, and the new wooden tops have been attached. It is proposed to replace 30076’s footplate, so it was measured up to ensure the ashpan and damper controls will be correctly sited. Steam generator and blower pipework has been removed.

The front buffer beam is being slightly amended to improve access to the front of the loco’s cylinders and new endplates for the shortened buffer beams have been completed and undercoated.

Further cladding sheets have been removed from the boiler’s backhead. Measuring up and making a template for the shortening of the water tanks’ balance pipe is an ongoing project.

Discussions were held to consider completing the certification of 30075. In early June, arrangements were made for the loco to be transferred to the Plym Valley Railway in Devon, whose longer track would allow more testing to take place.

On Saturday June 6th, North Dorset Railway’s diesel loco Ashdown shunted 30075 to a position on the station’s Up line, ready for collection.

On Monday June 8th, 30075 was loaded up and departed for Devon. In transit, one of the safety valves was damaged but the haulier accepted responsibility for the damage, and is sorting its repair. The valve was later repaired and will be fitted prior to the ‘Fit to Run’ tests. Then, hopefully, 30075 will be off to earn its keep at another heritage railway.

Here's 30075 awaiting action at Marsh Mills, on the Plym Valley Railway.