Well, a long-held secret has recently finally been revealed – Furness Railway
locomotive No. 20 is heading down to the North Norfolk Railway to take part
in the Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala on the 24th and 25th October. It will then
be in service the following seven days (half term week) hauling the NNR’s
vintage train, concluding its stay there on the 1st November. Let’s hope that
the NNR have booked fine weather! Mike Rigg managed to get a photo of the
Railway’s poster recently whilst on holiday in Norfolk.
Back at Preston, the FRT’s Annual General Meeting took place on Tuesday, 9th
September where, after the formalities had been conducted, members enjoyed
the refreshments kindly provided by Alison.
FR 20’s left hand clack valve made a speedy return journey down to the
premises of South Coast Steam in Dorset for refurbishment after the valve
started to pass over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It was satisfactorily
tested before the loco appeared at the Ribble Steam Railway’s Autumn Steam
Gala on the 26 th September. Thanks go to SCS for their very prompt service.
Work has now started on preparing the locomotive for its trip to Norfolk. This
includes fitting the spark arrestor screens which are being modified by John.
The FRT’s Great Eastern Railway royal saloon had its final scheduled outing of
the year during the RSR’s Gala. It is seen here in Preston Riverside’s bay
platform 0 ready for food and drink to be served.
With 5643’s boiler still away for repairs, work continues to rebuild the chassis.
These photos show the buffer beam ready to be lifted into position and then
secured with the buffers attached.
With the paintwork on the Trust’s ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Cumbria’s saddle tank
completed, Jon and Sim have been cleaning up and priming the cab
components.
Having spent much of the summer repairing Cumbria’s ashpan, John has now
turned his attention to the cab roof.
