6 June 2009

At long last we have the opportunity to repaint 30053. However the pressure was really on as the locomotive was scheduled to go to Eastleigh to take part in the centenary celebrations. In fact the repainting had to be done within a week as external factors had limited access to the goods shed at Swanage! These factors included allowing time for concrete to cure within the new pit, weighing Manston, having three locos to be ultrasonic axle tested and removing the stock from the goods shed that had been land locked since 2008 during construction of the aforementioned pit.

Livery is now Southern Railway war-time black with Bulleid sunshine lettering. This was applied with great skill by Len Prills, a local signwriter. Bear in mind when looking at the photographs, this lettering was all done by hand in half a day!   

30053, along with Manston and Eddystone, duly ventured out on to the main line for their journey to Eastleigh. Photographs of the journey can be seen here .

The event took place over the weekend and 30053 spent the Saturday giving brake van rides whilst on the Sunday it exchanged this turn with the Beattie Well Tank. A total of around 18,000 people attended the event.

On the Monday 30053 top and tailed the brake van with the Beattie Well Tank.

24 January 2009

Following the retirement of Bill File at the 2008 AGM the directors have appointed Keith R Gooding as a director of Drummond Locomotives Limited.

It is pleasing to report that 30053 has continued to see service through to the end of 2008 despite suffering some damage in a shunting incident on 2 October. By the start of the Swanage Railway shutdown a total 90 steamings had been achieved in 2008!

Between steamings the opportunity has been taken to fit the blowdown valve to the boiler. This is already showing benefits by extending the period between washouts thereby improving the locomotive's availability. The operating handle and linkage have been fitted to the inside of the tank on the fireman's side. The operator handle and linkage have been fitted to the inside of the tank on the fireman's side.

The new reverser piston rings appear to be working well.

Winter maintenance has started and will include work to :

We will keep you updated.