Active Mainline Steam Locomotives

[kje7812]

I was under the impression boiler tickets were issued for fixed periods, 7 years for mainline operations and 10 years for heritage lines, and that these are absolute limits that cannot be extended or reset. After expiry only a new or completely reconditioned boiler would qualify for a new certificate.

Definitely not the case. Extensions are quite common for heritage railways use.
The '10 year ticket' rule is a myth. It's a series of annual inspections. After 7 years, these become stricter and after 10 even more so. By 10 years, not only is the boiler likely to be needing work but so is the mechanical side of things.

 

[SECR 65]

I was under the impression boiler tickets were issued for fixed periods, 7 years for mainline operations and 10 years for heritage lines, and that these are absolute limits that cannot be extended or reset. After expiry only a new or completely reconditioned boiler would qualify for a new certificate.

It really depends on the engine. Taking a few Bluebell examples:
Locos like S15 847 and Q 541 lasted in the region of 8 years before being too broken to carry on. This is common for large, core fleet engines which are worked hard.
5MT 73082 worked for 6 years, before requiring work, so went straight into the works for some boiler attention, and came out with a fresh 10 year ticket. It wasn't a full overhaul.
P 178 got ticket extentions as it was lightly used, so worked around 11 years.

 

[HertiageFan]

Sorry for the misinformation, it doesn’t reset their boiler tickets, however, they do so much maintenance each year that when the boiler ticket expires, there is minimal work to be done. I misread their Facebook posts where they said 44871 had an overhaul this year, I believe its boiler overhaul last year, and overhaul/ replacement on other equipment this year

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Aug 2026 ==

It really depends on the engine. Taking a few Bluebell examples:
Locos like S15 847 and Q 541 lasted in the region of 8 years before being too broken to carry on. This is common for large, core fleet engines which are worked hard.
5MT 73082 worked for 6 years, before requiring work, so went straight into the works for some boiler attention, and came out with a fresh 10 year ticket. It wasn't a full overhaul.
P 178 got ticket extentions as it was lightly used, so worked around 11 years.

Due to Covid, and large locomotive availability, 75078 was overhauled between 2020 and 2022 (it’s previous overhauled concluded in 2015)

 

[martin butler]

I was under the impression boiler tickets were issued for fixed periods, 7 years for mainline operations and 10 years for heritage lines, and that these are absolute limits that cannot be extended or reset. After expiry only a new or completely reconditioned boiler would qualify for a new certificate.

often its full boiler detube, out of frames assessment by the boiler inspector , then once repairs are made, hydralic test, followed by an out of the frames steam test, but i believe wide fireboxes, where the outer can be fully seen, can be tested in the frames,

In the case of Rileys 5's it might be the yearly insurers test because all boilers have a yearly test, as well as the full 7 year(10 with retube) for mainline locos,

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Aug 2026 ==

Boiler insurers are often reluctant to extend a boiler ticket unless the boiler has had extensive work done and spent some time on that ticket out of service, its based on condition, yes the ten year ticket is a bit of a fallacy, as all boilers have a yearly inspection, fail that, and you can't steam that boiler until the inspector is happy with that the work has been done, but as a rule of thumb, most boiler insurers insist that a boiler is taken out of the frames for an external, and internal examination, once ten years has been served on that boiler, on the mainline its 7, but if you do a full retube its 10,

 

[Dave S 56F]

SVR resident Stanier Mogul 13268 to return to the main line with Vintage Trains (Link to SVR article)

Being reported that 13268 is returning to the mainline with Vintage Trains later this year and very nice to see another loco back on the mainline! I’ll add it to the list as (Proposed) as I still imagine there is some work to go first. If anyone could let me know when it’s most recent ticket started that would be great

(Edit: I’ve actually read the article and seen it returned 2023… I’m just stustupid

Are you sure it is going mainline on the 8 november o the worcester shakespeare express 42968 the stanier mogul? As it only did 2 years from 1996 to 98 it was the 1st engine in 1997 to climb the lickey bank what makes me say this is steam4MAX is that I've not seen no test runs planned which if tyseley do them they either go on the north warwick line to Stratford upon Avon or the derby loop via nuneaton Leicester derby Loughborough and tamworth. Nor it isent advertised as the rostered loco on the worcester shakespeare express 8 November.
I seem to remember the riddles 4mt 76084 only doing 2 mainline tours in february 2017 one on the Buxton spa where after the tour reached Heaton norris after 45690 leander Brought the tour from Preston and ran to buxton and back as far as Blackburn where it was detached to commerate its time it did stabled at lower Darwen. It also ran the whitby in march 2017 as I mentioned up the thread it top and tailed from York to whitby via Darlington and Nunnington and after those 2 tours besides its msinline test runs.
It was sent to the north norfolk railway where it only worked the Sheringham Cromer evening diner Trains only 5 miles top and tail with a class 20 diesel its only mainline mini stints it did until its ticket ran out in 2024 now stuck at Weybourne out of ticket.
Look at 6024 King Edward I its been in ticket almost 6 month and still nowhere to gauge it unless jeremy hoskins is waiting till 2027 to start its L.S.L. calendar of tours.

 

[kje7812]

Are you sure it is going mainline on the 8 november o the worcester shakespeare express 42968 the stanier mogul? As it only did 2 years from 1996 to 98 it was the 1st engine in 1997 to climb the lickey bank what makes me say this is steam4MAX is that I've not seen no test runs planned which if tyseley do them they either go on the north warwick line to Stratford upon Avon or the derby loop via nuneaton Leicester derby Loughborough and tamworth. Nor it isent advertised as the rostered loco on the worcester shakespeare express 8 November.

A post today by Vintage Trains on their Facebook page says so:

We're excited to tell you that Vintage Trains is welcoming a new locomotive to the fleet!

LMS No.13268, the Stanier Mogul, is joining us through a partnership with the Severn Valley Railway and the Stanier Mogul Fund, the charity that has cared for the locomotive since rescuing it from a scrapyard in south Wales back in 1973.

We're hopeful it will haul the Worcester Shakespeare Express on 8 November, its first outing with Vintage Trains. More details to follow as the date approaches.

Facebook

www.facebook.com

 

[Steam4Max]

Are you sure it is going mainline on the 8 november o the worcester shakespeare express 42968 the stanier mogul? As it only did 2 years from 1996 to 98 it was the 1st engine in 1997 to climb the lickey bank what makes me say this is steam4MAX is that I've not seen no test runs planned which if tyseley do them they either go on the north warwick line to Stratford upon Avon or the derby loop via nuneaton Leicester derby Loughborough and tamworth. Nor it isent advertised as the rostered loco on the worcester shakespeare express 8 November.
I seem to remember the riddles 4mt 76084 only doing 2 mainline tours in february 2017 one on the Buxton spa where after the tour reached Heaton norris after 45690 leander Brought the tour from Preston and ran to buxton and back as far as Blackburn where it was detached to commerate its time it did stabled at lower Darwen. It also ran the whitby in march 2017 as I mentioned up the thread it top and tailed from York to whitby via Darlington and Nunnington and after those 2 tours besides its msinline test runs.
It was sent to the north norfolk railway where it only worked the Sheringham Cromer evening diner Trains only 5 miles top and tail with a class 20 diesel its only mainline mini stints it did until its ticket ran out in 2024 now stuck at Weybourne out of ticket.
Look at 6024 King Edward I its been in ticket almost 6 month and still nowhere to gauge it unless jeremy hoskins is waiting till 2027 to start its L.S.L. calendar of tours.

I’m only going off what has been said by both SVR & Vintage trains… they have said subject to the usual conditions but it is scheduled for 8th November.

This is just my opinion but I would imagine the summer season at SVR and then fitting any missing equipment and testing throughout September and October

 

[Trainz6013]

The partnership between the KWVR and Ian Riley regarding 45212 has ended, with the loco set to return to the KWVR to await a decision on its future

Steam locomotive 45212 returning to Yorkshire as partnership 'not sustainable' https://share.google/JJZEmcPlexgYTx18O

"It has been announced that LMS Black 5 No. 45212 is to return to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway."

 

[37069]

45212 will be replaced in the Riley stud by 45163, currently undergoing restoration at Bury. Loco will then be on hire to Riley.

 

[Steam4Max]

48151 has been back on test today running from Carnforth to Hellifield. Still personally unsure as to why the boiler certificate was started when there is still a lack of use outside of heritage lines... but just my opinion.

 

[HertiageFan]

48151 has been back on test today running from Carnforth to Hellifield. Still personally unsure as to why the boiler certificate was started when there is still a lack of use outside of heritage lines... but just my opinion.

Unless mk1s return soon… Maybe some of the mk2s from The Jacobite which have vacuum brakes and CDL may form part of a rake that can run services over the winter period.

 

[Isle of Mull]

Unless mk1s return soon… Maybe some of the mk2s from The Jacobite which have vacuum brakes and CDL may form part of a rake that can run services over the winter period.

I would have hired it out to vintage trains if I were them

 

[kje7812]

I would have hired it out to vintage trains if I were them

The 8F is limited to 50mph IIRC (might be 45) which affects pathing. The Shakespeares often run back to Birmingham via Dorridge which has a max speed of 75mph.

 

[Isle of Mull]

The 8F is limited to 50mph IIRC (might be 45) which affects pathing. The Shakespeares often run back to Birmingham via Dorridge which has a max speed of 75mph.

Why is it limited may I ask, it could run on less used lines I guess

 

[kje7812]

Why is it limited may I ask, it could run on less used lines I guess

Steam loco max speeds were* limited according to their driving wheel diameter with over 6'2'' 75mph, between 6'2'' and 5'8'' 60mph, and smaller wheels a lower limit (Railway Group Standard GO/RT3440).
Rotational speeds play a part in the limits as do balancing on the wheel sets. I think 48151 is one of the 8Fs with better balancing weights for 'higher' speed running, hence 50mph rather than 45mph. This does have a negative effect on axle loading.


*I remember reading that there is now more flexibility in the limits.

 

[Wyrleybart]

Steam loco max speeds were* limited according to their driving wheel diameter with over 6'2'' 75mph, between 6'2'' and 5'8'' 60mph, and smaller wheels a lower limit (Railway Group Standard GO/RT3440).
Rotational speeds play a part in the limits as do balancing on the wheel sets. I think 48151 is one of the 8Fs with better balancing weights for 'higher' speed running, hence 50mph rather than 45mph. This does have a negative effect on axle loading.


*I remember reading that there is now more flexibility in the limits.

And I remember talking to a since-retired WCR driver who was brought up on 8Fs as a young hand, and who worked the 8F from Rugby to Southall via Willesden and Acton. His words back then were "even though it was "starred" it was still as rough as *uck on the Slow lines between Rugby and Roade at 50mph.


As explained, the 8Fs with improved balance weights had a white star under the number on the cabsides.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Sep 2026 ==

I would have hired it out to vintage trains if I were them

Vintage Trains are hiring a far more suitable class 5 mogul from the Severn Valley, and i am sure there will be some fun with that little beast on the Polar Expresses and VT tours.

 

[Steam4Max]

Updates:

6024 now showing as Active due to it completing another test run and hoping to appear at Nene Valley Railway this week so can assume it is pretty much ready to go.
48151 now showing as Active...ish, as it hauled a private charter last week so again appears to be good to go. Still retains the '...ish' category though due to lack of air brakes and the well documented MK1... ummm lets say, issues.
Following Rileys socials I believe 45163 is progressing nicely & 34007 is well on the way too (May have to add her to the list soon)

Interesting that LSL now only have 45231 & 60019 under overhaul, begs the question how long 46100 will stay at Margate and weather 35027 will get a turn in the queue? Although I believe 34046 & 61306 are getting close to the end of their tickets so could change things. Just food for thought

(As always, any information or corrections are welcomed)

 

[37069]

34007 is planned for the main line in 2028. Running-in on the MHR in 2027 before then.

 

[Trainlog]

Interesting that LSL now only have 45231 & 60019 under overhaul, begs the question how long 46100 will stay at Margate and weather 35027 will get a turn in the queue? Although I believe 34046 & 61306 are getting close to the end of their tickets so could change things. Just food for thought

I will definitely miss Mayflower when its ticket runs out. It always puts on a good show, whether it's just an evening circular tour around London or the Golden Arrow service around Kent.

To me, it also helped break up the monotony of Brunswick Green (rebuilt) Pacifics that visited Kent (it's not to say that I don't like spotting Clan, Braunton, or Eddystone, far from it. But even if it gets switched up a bit with Britannia, it's still another Brunswick Green Pacific, which can feel a little repetitive ).

Anyway, if there was a small crossover window where both Sir Nigel Gresley and Bittern are in steam, I would certainly welcome Bittern being based around Southall for a bit.

 

[Isle of Mull]

I will definitely miss Mayflower when its ticket runs out. It always puts on a good show, whether it's just an evening circular tour around London or the Golden Arrow service around Kent.

To me, it also helped break up the monotony of Brunswick Green (rebuilt) Pacifics that visited Kent (it's not to say that I don't like spotting Clan, Braunton, or Eddystone, far from it. But even if it gets switched up a bit with Britannia, it's still another Brunswick Green Pacific, which can feel a little repetitive ).

Anyway, if there was a small crossover window where both Sir Nigel Gresley and Bittern are in steam, I would certainly welcome Bittern being based around Southall for a bit.

I agree, variation is nice. A bittern and SNG double header would be legendary

 

[HertiageFan]

I will definitely miss Mayflower when its ticket runs out. It always puts on a good show, whether it's just an evening circular tour around London or the Golden Arrow service around Kent.

To me, it also helped break up the monotony of Brunswick Green (rebuilt) Pacifics that visited Kent (it's not to say that I don't like spotting Clan, Braunton, or Eddystone, far from it. But even if it gets switched up a bit with Britannia, it's still another Brunswick Green Pacific, which can feel a little repetitive ).

Anyway, if there was a small crossover window where both Sir Nigel Gresley and Bittern are in steam, I would certainly welcome Bittern being based around Southall for a bit.

I hope that Mayflower is in good condition so can have a quick overhaul (if viable). Unlike 70000, it has had no major failures in this overhaul (that I can remember)

 

[37069]

Surely 61306's place is likely to be filled by 45231? The LSL steam fleet is not exactly stretched now.

 

[Harvester]

I agree, variation is nice. A bittern and SNG double header would be legendary

This is intriguing, but I don’t think it ever happened in normal BR service, or has happened in preservation on the mainline. Two A4s may have run coupled together in LE movements in steam days, for example Top Shed to Kings Cross station to take out different trains, but not to double head a train! Is there any evidence that it has happened?

 

[Trainz6013]

This is intriguing, but I don’t think it ever happened in normal BR service, or has happened in preservation on the mainline. Two A4s may have run coupled together in LE movements in steam days, for example Top Shed to Kings Cross station to take out different trains, but not to double head a train! Is there any evidence that it has happened?

Sir Nigel and No.9 double headed a train on the East Lancs a few years ago I seem to remember, and if I'm remembering the Railway Magazine article correctly, it said that was the very first A4 double-headed train

 

[Steam4Max]

I will definitely miss Mayflower when its ticket runs out. It always puts on a good show, whether it's just an evening circular tour around London or the Golden Arrow service around Kent.

Me too, one of my absolute favourite locos due to having family very close to NVR growing up in the early 2000's, so visited a lot when Mayflower was there

Anyway, if there was a small crossover window where both Sir Nigel Gresley and Bittern are in steam, I would certainly welcome Bittern being based around Southall for a bit.

I agree, variation is nice. A bittern and SNG double header would be legendary

Hopefully there will be at least a year or so, not like SNG is right at the end of her ticket and LSL don't seem to hang around with overhauls and have the facilities to do so.

Surely 61306's place is likely to be filled by 45231? The LSL steam fleet is not exactly stretched now.

I agree, they seem to be in a very good place with steam at the moment... I keep hoping this may give them the confidence to expand the fleet a bit again, would be nice to see a Jubilee purchased (WCR surely don't need 3 xD) or one of their 2 stored MN come back... all hopes and speculation ofc.

 

[HertiageFan]

They have plenty of steam locomotives but not enough coaches, in my opinion

 

[Wyrleybart]

They have plenty of steam locomotives but not enough coaches, in my opinion

More coaches would obviously allow more trains to run but then you would need to "cube" the number of footplate and support crews needed. Ou would also need a huge increase in passengers prepared to hand over their wonga to ride such trips.

Where is 45231 at the moment ? Did it go to Margate ?
AIUI 5029 and 6024 were both being worked on at Crewe around the same time, so what are the next two likely to be going through the shops ? I am sure I read at one point the the SNG engineers were planned help out with Bittern. Was that right ?
In my view 46203 or 46233 - or even 46229 would be very appropriate overhauls at LSL, but hey !!!

 

[Isle of Mull]

More coaches would obviously allow more trains to run but then you would need to "cube" the number of footplate and support crews needed. Ou would also need a huge increase in passengers prepared to hand over their wonga to ride such trips.

Where is 45231 at the moment ? Did it go to Margate ?
AIUI 5029 and 6024 were both being worked on at Crewe around the same time, so what are the next two likely to be going through the shops ? I am sure I read at one point the the SNG engineers were planned help out with Bittern. Was that right ?
In my view 46203 or 46233 - or even 46229 would be very appropriate overhauls at LSL, but hey !!!

45231 and bittern are both being overhauled at Crewe I believe

 

[HertiageFan]

6024 is hauling its first excursion (after its return to steam) on Wednesday 11th November: The Cumbrian Mountaineer from Crewe to Carlisle

 

[Isle of Mull]

Apparently Scots Guardsman is hauling the RTC tour tomorrow