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Llangollen locomotive restored to former glory Evening Leader
Published date: 11 August 2009 | Published by: Staff reporter
MEMBERS of the Llangollen Railway Standard 4 Trust are celebrating after a steam engine that they had spent 17 years restoring made its first successful trial run.
Last Friday the former British Railways Standard class 4 tank engine, No 80072, had a fire lit in its firebox for its first steaming in 45 years, and after passing a final check by the boiler inspector, a certificate was issued and it made the short trip between Llangollen locomotive shed and the carriage works half a mile away at Pentrefelin.
For restoration project leader, Peter Evans, of Johnstown, and for the supporters who gathered to watch, it was a moment of great elation as the locomotive moved under its own steam.
Mr Evans said: After 17 years of great endeavour I was over the moon. All the trials and tribulations had been worth it to see No 80072 brought back to life, breathing fire and making steam.
He said: The engine came to Llangollen as a restoration project in 1992 having been sent to the scrapyard by British Railways in 1966.
At that time there were so many parts missing that some considered its restoration to be unachievable, but over the years Trust members have sourced the missing parts or had replacements made, to reassemble the locomotive.
"Finally the boiler was in need of a major rebuild and this was undertaken at the LNWR Locomotive Works at Crewe during 2008/9.
After returning the boiler to Llangollen the job of plumbing it into the locomotive and preparing it for service has resulted in a successful steaming.
The locomotive will now undertake a series of running trials before going into the paint shop to be turned out in the black livery of British Railways.
It will then be the star of the show when it appears in the Llangollen Railways autumn steam gala on September 11-13.
George Jones, of Llangollen Railway, said: No 80072 was built at Brighton Works in 1953 but due to the move away from steam traction it had a short working life being withdrawn in 1965 for sale as scrap.
Fortunately, that was not the end of the story and we are all absolutely delighted that No 80072 has been returned to steam.
The engine was once seen as a no-hoper but, at the end of an epic restoration effort, it is a tribute to all those who worked on this long term project, including those who made financial contributions or have spent hours selling items in support of the Standard 4 Trust.
As a mixed traffic locomotive No 80072 will be an ideal engine for hauling trains in the Dee Valley.
They are good looking engines and very popular with steam enthusiasts for their powerful performances.
No 80072 is one of many steam engines that have been returned to working condition at Llangollen.
"We still have a few more to work on to maintain the tradition of British built locomotives.
George Jones
Wrexham
Published date: 11 August 2009 | Published by: Staff reporter
MEMBERS of the Llangollen Railway Standard 4 Trust are celebrating after a steam engine that they had spent 17 years restoring made its first successful trial run.
Last Friday the former British Railways Standard class 4 tank engine, No 80072, had a fire lit in its firebox for its first steaming in 45 years, and after passing a final check by the boiler inspector, a certificate was issued and it made the short trip between Llangollen locomotive shed and the carriage works half a mile away at Pentrefelin.
For restoration project leader, Peter Evans, of Johnstown, and for the supporters who gathered to watch, it was a moment of great elation as the locomotive moved under its own steam.
Mr Evans said: After 17 years of great endeavour I was over the moon. All the trials and tribulations had been worth it to see No 80072 brought back to life, breathing fire and making steam.
He said: The engine came to Llangollen as a restoration project in 1992 having been sent to the scrapyard by British Railways in 1966.
At that time there were so many parts missing that some considered its restoration to be unachievable, but over the years Trust members have sourced the missing parts or had replacements made, to reassemble the locomotive.
"Finally the boiler was in need of a major rebuild and this was undertaken at the LNWR Locomotive Works at Crewe during 2008/9.
After returning the boiler to Llangollen the job of plumbing it into the locomotive and preparing it for service has resulted in a successful steaming.
The locomotive will now undertake a series of running trials before going into the paint shop to be turned out in the black livery of British Railways.
It will then be the star of the show when it appears in the Llangollen Railways autumn steam gala on September 11-13.
George Jones, of Llangollen Railway, said: No 80072 was built at Brighton Works in 1953 but due to the move away from steam traction it had a short working life being withdrawn in 1965 for sale as scrap.
Fortunately, that was not the end of the story and we are all absolutely delighted that No 80072 has been returned to steam.
The engine was once seen as a no-hoper but, at the end of an epic restoration effort, it is a tribute to all those who worked on this long term project, including those who made financial contributions or have spent hours selling items in support of the Standard 4 Trust.
As a mixed traffic locomotive No 80072 will be an ideal engine for hauling trains in the Dee Valley.
They are good looking engines and very popular with steam enthusiasts for their powerful performances.
No 80072 is one of many steam engines that have been returned to working condition at Llangollen.
"We still have a few more to work on to maintain the tradition of British built locomotives.
George Jones
Wrexham