The Furness Railway Trust is pleased to be able to confirm that Furness Railway locomotive No. 20 has been invited to take part in the Watercress Line’s Spring Steam Gala in Hampshire on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 24th-26th April. The loco is expected to begin its long journey south on Thursday, 16th April and to return to Preston on Friday, 1st May. FR 20 is also planned to operate at the Ribble Steam Railway at its Spring Steam Gala on Saturday, 28th March and, over the Easter period, the 3rd, 4th and 6th April. The loco passed its 14 month steam test on the 23rd February and, in anticipation of its forthcoming duties, the running boards have been treated to a fresh coat of black paint.
Work has commenced on Great Western Railway 0-6-2T No. 5643’s boiler at the premises of Riley & Son, Bury, with the replacement of 72 new patch screws now having been completed. In addition to previously authorised work, it has now been decided to replace 60 crown stays at the front and rear of the firebox. A lorry is due to collect the set of previously purchased small tubes and superheater elements, plus other items for the boiler, this Wednesday, 11th March. It is planned that the same lorry will return to Preston with 5643’s pistons and new rings. This will enable the chassis of the locomotive to be re-assembled. In the meantime, John has been giving the new ashpan a fresh coat of paint to protect it from the weather.
The boiler of the Trust’s ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Cumbria has been inspected as part of its 10 year overhaul. Unfortunately, deterioration has been found in the firebox crown stays which will require the replacement of 110 crown stays and 20 sling stays at the front of the firebox. The latter work will, disappointingly, require the removal of the boiler tubes which were only replaced in 2022.
Much time has been expended by the Trust’s volunteers at Preston in cleaning the chassis of Cumbria, with the eccentric straps being removed for inspection. The cleaning has been a long job and thanks go to those who have stuck to the task. Options for work to be undertaken on the chassis are currently being considered.
Finally, we are very sorry to have to record the passing of member Jim Morris on the 17th February at the age of 93. Jim set up Helical Technology at Dock Road in Lytham around 60 years ago and purchased a number of steam locomotives which became the heart of the Lytham Motive Power Museum; this was eventually disbanded to allow the expansion of his engineering company. Jim also purchased Fairburn 2-6-4T No. 42085 and was a long standing director of the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. Jim’s funeral will take place this Wednesday, 11th March, at 12.15 at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Lytham. Our sincere condolences go to the Morris family.