Good progress with the overhaul of BR Standard class 4MT 2-6-0 76017 is being made in Ropley at the Watercress Line.  As can be evidenced in the photographs in this blog post, painting is well under way, whilst the list of parts to re-fit is reducing each working day.

Built in Horwich in 1953, 76017 had an auspicious start to its working life and derailed at Whitchurch station when hauling a goods train before it was two years old.  During this latest overhaul, it was found that the frames were not perfectly square which is most likely due to this misadventure.  Despite this, it is a good locomotive and will be a very useful member of the railway’s operating fleet, being a reliable performer and reasonably efficient too.  76017 has not run since the 1990’s and so no doubt it’s return will create much interest amongst railway enthusiasts.  Fittingly she is a local machine, being based in Eastleigh and Salisbury during her working life.  76017 will join recently overhauled Ivatt 2MT tank engine 41312 pictured below, both of which are vital in keeping services going throughout the summer.

Thanks for dropping by folks!