Steam locomotive mileage

[BR Traction]

How many miles roughly would a main line preserved steam locomotive cover during its 10 year boiler certification, including heritage railways, rail tours, light engine moves etc ? I realise some will be much higher than others, but on average, just to get some idea. Many thanks.

 

[SECR 65]

If this figure is of any use as a starting point, then a steam loco at the Bluebell Railway will run up to about 5000 miles in a year. That's for one of the core 'A set' engines, such as the standards, on up to 3 22 mile round trips so 66 miles a day. It's possible that in a loco shortage year with intensive service and the loco running all year, it might get to 6 or 7000 miles. I think 80151 the standard 4 tank has done 100,000 miles at the Bluebell now, and that's in about 18 years of operation.