Work on re-assembling the motion of Great Western Railway 0-6-2T No. 5643 has begun this last week with the re-fitting of the two rear cylinder covers. It was an awkward job working in the cramped area behind the cylinder block and with very heavy objects that had to be placed precisely onto the studs!
Furness Railway No. 20 was in action this last Saturday when the Ribble Steam Railway was visited by members of the Preston Photographic Society who had arranged a number of models to pose around the train. Yes, and they did ask for steam to be applied (carefully) with the cylinder drain taps on FR 20 open behind the model on the track.
This next Saturday, 12 th July, sees FR 20 back in action hauling trains on the RSR where there will be a formal launch of the new book entitled “Furness Railway No. 20 – The Story So Far.” Tim will be on hand in the RSR shop to sign copies for those purchasing the book. We are pleased to report that the first batch supplied to the shop has almost run out and that the first internet sale has taken place! Grateful thanks go to Chris Rycroft for his IT wizardry in setting up our new website’s online sales. We now hope to expand the number of lines we are able to offer for sale online.
Finally, the visit of FR 20 to The Greatest Gathering at Derby on the 1 st , 2 nd and 3rd August is fast approaching. Allelys have been commissioned to undertake the move and the loco will be picked up from Preston by two low loaders around lunch time on Monday, 21 st July. This should give us time to put the locomotive into sparkling condition after its recent steamings.