- Class: 9F
- Wheels: 2-10-0
- Built: 1958
- Last Overhaul Completed: 1990
- Last Operational: November 2002
- Current Status: Under overhaul
- Owned By: Bluebell Railway
)
The renowned 9Fs were the final steam design of British Railways, and a total of 251 of this most successful heavy-freight design were built. 92240 was one of the last steam locomotives constructed at Crewe. In the rush to abolish steam they were scrapped decades before their originally planned withdrawal dates. 92240 was the very first of the ex-Barry Scrapyard 9Fs to be restored to traffic, and we also built a replacement body for the tender in our own workshops – something rather more common now than it was then.
A few years after its initial return to traffic a number of boiler stays were found to need replacement, and the opportunity was taken to re-certificate the boiler for a new ten-year period at that time. In spite of its size and power, it is an economical locomotive to run, and is much better suited to our 25mph speed limit than an express locomotive. It was withdrawn from service before the end of its boiler certificate due to the deteriorating condition of its tubes, with work also likely to be required on the firebox and front tubeplate.
If you would like the see 92240 return to steam please support the “Awake the Giant” Appeal, where you can also follow the current overhaul.
