Baldwin built S160 class 2-8-0 no. 2253 has been moved to the workshop of Adam Dalgleish Engineering Ltd in Stockton-On-Tees for its overhaul to commence.  The target for completion of its overhaul is 2017 and is part of a ten year loan agreement for the locomotive to run on the Paignton and Dartmouth steam railway.  Although the American machine may seem at odds with the neat and elegant lines of the Great Western Railway steam locomotives usually associated with this preserved railway, the type nevertheless has a historical connection with the railway. During the second world war they were used to support the D-Day invasion force prior to embarkation to Normandy, including those that sailed from Dartmouth.2253 will help plug a gap in the railway’s operating fleet that will have two major withdrawals in the near future.  The powerful 2-8-0T tank engines that are so useful in hauling the railway’s heavy tourist laden trains are approaching the end of their boiler tickets.  GWR 52xx class no. 5239 ‘Goliath’ (pictured above) is being withdrawn at the end of this year and 42xx no. 4277 ‘Hercules’ in 2017.

Meanwhile the overhaul of 45xx prairie tank no. 4555 pictured above is in progress, as is the overhaul of British Railways Standard 4MT 4-6-0 no. 75014 ‘Braveheart.’ The BR Standard’s overhaul is reaching the final stages and is expected to be completed in 2016.  75014’s boiler was returned to Churston from Crewe earlier in the year and currently work on the riveting of the plate-work is being completed.  For those of you who are interesting in the goings-on of this popular railway, I can heartedly recommend the line’s blog that can be accessed by clicking here.

Thanks for reading.