Boiler work continues on Barclay 2261

The new tubeplate is in place, together with replacement longitudinal stays - and currently, the tubes are in the process of being expanded.

It is hoped that the boiler will be filled with water in the next few weeks to begin hydraulic testing, in readiness for later steam testing & then full reassembly of the loco.

It's hoped that No.6 will be completed in time to take part in the 2009 Steam Gala Event.

The latest exhibit to arrive at Riversway is Bagnall 2680 built 1942.

The loco was originally supplied to Birchenwood Gas and Coke co, named Birchenwood No.4 and used on their extensive system until its closure in 1973. It was the last loco to work there.

Initially bought by Bill McAlpine and moved to Market Overton before being sold again and moved to the North Norfolk Railway where it was stripped for overhaul. Sadly, this planned work was never finished, but passed in kit form through several owners hands with no further work done.

Therefore the loco has never been steamed in Preservation, and has rarely been seen on public display since leaving Birchenwood.

The loco has been privately purchased by an RSR member, and it's overhaul is due to commence summer 09 with a view to test running within 2 years, subject to other commitments.

The engine is likely to be restored in the guise of a long lost Preston Docks engine, probably 'Courageous'. The loco is of the same type as the sole remaining Preston Docks Bagnall, "Princess", which now resides at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. As the loco is re-assembled from it's kit form, photographs will be updated on our site.

Unique loco to arrive at the railway

LNWR 0-4-0 Saddle Tank No.1439 is arriving at the Ribble Steam Railway Centre on Friday 22nd January. The locomotive is on loan from the NRM and will be on permanent display at the Railway Centre.

Visitors will be able to see the loco when we reopen for the season at Easter.

This locomotive was built at Crewe Works in 1865, by the London and North Western Railway (LNWR). In 1919 the LNWR sold No. 1439 to Kynoch Ltd in Birmingham. It shunted wagons at their Witton Works for the next 45 years. Kynoch Ltd became part of ICI in 1926. In 1954, ICI gave the locomotive to the British Transport Commission for preservation. It has been repainted into its original LNWR lined green livery.

No. 1439 was one of 52 locomotives built to the same design between 1864 and 1892. The first locomotives were built to haul the Irish Mail between the town station and the pier at Holyhead. Others were built to work in docks and areas where small locomotives were needed. The LNWR renumbered No. 1439 several times. Christened as No. 3042, the locomotive worked for a while around Liverpool Docks. For this time it was fitted with a bell and converted to burn oil.