Black Terrier Down

The Terrier Trust has just received the disappointing news from the K&ESR that 32678 will not be available for service again this winter.

According to the railway’s engineering manager Paul Wilson, necessary outstanding boiler work that had been postponed from last spring, in order that the engine could co-star with the 01 No. 65 from Bluebell at “The Last Train’s Gone” in May, now has to be completed.

Coupled to the fact that there is no room in the shed, the work is therefore being hampered by exposure to the elements so the steam test due on December 8th has to be put back to a later date.

Additionally, there is a possibility that the boiler inspector will wish to make an extra visual, prior to the re-booked steam test.

Other scheduled work intended for this most juvenile of the working Terriers is to remetal both side rods.

Speedily returned for the Gala, the locomotive has also been rendered impotent during the year by clack valve and injector problems.

This means that the intended Terrier Trust fundraising event on January 2nd 2010, the 56th anniversary of original part-closure of the line (to passengers and the Northern Extension), using 32678 and the birdcage, has been put on hold pending a possibly revised plan using “Bodiam”.  This was to part-offset the cost of a new chimney for No.3; more details about this and any revised plan for January 2nd will follow in due course.

HN-26/11/2009