News

Terrier 150 Work Starts as 2678's Overhaul Commences

Published: Saturday, 23 March 2019 14:40
32678 with cab fittings removed ready for the start of her overhaul © David Brenchley - 20 Mar 19

CAF Donate buttonStaff and volunteers at the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s Rolvenden locomotive works have made a start on the overhaul of Trust's locomotive No. 32678 which should see the 1880-built Terrier return to service towards the end of this year - the first element of the exciting Terrier 150 initiative.

The locomotive was nearing the end of her current "10 year ticket" but is in relatively good condition having benefitted from extensive refurbishment of her motionDownload T150 Leaflet Download T150 Donationsduring the last overhaul a decade ago and significant boiler work, including a full retube, in early 2017. This, coupled with a suitable window in the K&ESR’s overhaul schedule, has allowed the work to be programmed now.

Work on the loco, will see her re-enter service in her 1940s colour scheme of plain Southern Railway black with sunshine lettering as No. 2678. This was guise she wore when she was first hired by the K&ESR in 1940 to cover a temporary locomotive shortage – she ended up being a mainstay of the line’s motive power until 1958!

The overhaul is the first physical work in connection with Terrier 150 – a programme being compiled jointly by The Terrier Trust and K&ESR to tell the story of the Class of diminutive yet versatile locomotives that were introduced in 1872 and went on to be used in numerous locations, for a variety of purposes for many years after they were deposed from their original duties.

The programme will do more than simply mark the 150th anniversary of these magnificent machines, it will also show their impact on the K&ESR, other lines once run by Colonel Stephens and railways more generally. The overhauls of 2678 and No. 3 Bodiam, which as L&BSCR No. 70 Poplar, was the first of the Terrier Class constructed in 1872 and one of the first batch to enter service, are central to the plans. Further news on No. 3 is expected very soon.

The success of Terrier 150 is reliant on the raising £150,000 to fund the programme. For further details and to help click here.