The final development of the classic express 4-4-0, the Schools class were designed originally for the Hastings line with its restricted loading gauge, but proved themselves capable of hauling the Southern’s top expresses along side larger engines on the railway’s other main lines, and “Stowe” was built for the London-Portsmouth run. Coming to the Bluebell in 1980, it was rapidly restored to working order. Following expiry of its boiler certificate, it has been stored awaiting its turn in the workshop, in need of some very major (i.e. expensive) boiler repairs.
Some time ago a volunteer team completed the major rebuild of Stowe’s tender. In 2013 a start on the overhaul of the locomotive was made, with fund-raising also very much to the fore, since this is not a cheap overhaul. We need your help to complete this overhaul as soon as possible.
