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  • Wheels: 2-6-2T (built as 2-6-0)
  • Built: 1956
  • Numbers Carried: 84030 (was 78059 in BR service)
  • Current Status: Overhaul and conversion in progress
  • Owned By: Bluebell Railway

The photo shows the new side tanks in position on 84030’s extended frames, on 18 July 2023. Since then work has progressed on construction of the bunker and cab, and preparation of the boiler for its survey is planned.

The 2MT locomotives were built for light branch-line work. The tender engines, as this loco was originally, were almost unknown even as visitors to the South, whereas the 2MT tanks were used extensively on the Southern Region. Thus, when this loco was rescued from Barry scrapyard without a suitable tender being available, the decision was taken to restore the locomotive in the tank-engine form, of which there are otherwise no surviving examples. The last 2MT tank having been numbered 84029, this locomotive takes the next number in the sequence.

The loco will be very useful on the Bluebell, since it will be capable of hauling all but our very heaviest trains. The project is making good progress.

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