19th July 2010

This morning Ian and Edward Howard delivered the centre truck from the gallopers, complete with newly rebuilt centre engine. The work has included a new boiler and extensive mechanical overhaul, as well as a new makers plate (see below) – the original having been polished blank! The temptation for a test steaming was too much and by lunchtime Stuart had a fire in the box and a few hours later we were able to see the engine in action for the first time in over half a century…

Below: The new makers plate, replacing the old which had been polished smooth!

Below: A view of the motion and the restored organ engine. We think there are only half a dozen working engines in the country, though would be happy to be corrected…

Below: An overall view of the engine, with the blue ladders serving as temporary access to the footplate.

Below: A short film of both centre engine and organ engine (fed from the same boiler) running: