WD Overhaul Press Release

Iron Horse back in the saddle

Over 350 members and shareholders had a special treat at an event held for them on October 1st at the North Norfolk Railway.

Visitors to the railway's Weybourne workshops were delighted to see the M&GN Society's "Iron Horse", War Department 2-10-0 locomotive 90775 boiler reunited with its chassis and wheels – a visual milestone in the process of the loco's expected return to service early next year in time for the start of the 2017 season.

Society Chairman, Neil Sharpe, said "Trustees and members are really pleased with the progress being made. The "Iron horse" really is back in the saddle." The Society awarded the contract for the locomotive's overhaul to the recently established engineering division of the North Norfolk Railway which has received considerable investment from the Railway in new facilities and expertise to enable the complete overhaul of locomotives without the need to send them away. It can also undertake work for other heritage lines and locomotive owners.

The work on the WD included the complete refurbishment of the horn guides, axle boxes and wheel sets. Optical alignment equipment was used to ensure the accuracy of these components and complex plate renewals were done in the new boiler shop. Following the successful steam test earlier in the month, the boiler was reunited with the loco chassis in late September. This is a major step in the completion of the overhaul.

Mr Sharpe said "The Members and Shareholders Day" was a huge success giving visitors a wonderful opportunity to see the railway at work and what goes on behind the scenes to make the operation of the railway so successful. The opportunity to see the newly 'mated' boiler and chassis was an added bonus and whetted appetites for its return to service in 2017."

Trevor Eady General Manager added the WD is the first complete locomotive overhaul to be processed by the newly established department at the North Norfolk Railway. Our staff have demonstrated the capabilities of the new facility which now has a growing order book for overhaul works including some from Europe.

Please clickherefor the official PDF.