13th February 2011

I thought blog followers might like some additional information on our progress on Dunrobin and its purchase and repatriation. Having now seen the locomotive, and made various preparations for it to be shipped, we are talking to a contractor regarding shipping it back to the UK. It is likely to be roaded across Canada, probably in May, and meet a return pair of shipping pallets that are being used in conjunction with a separate contract for railway vehicles. It will then travel (inside!) a ship bound for the UK.
I have been archiving the various items relating to the locomotive that have appeared online, and have been quite amused at some of the comments that have appeared on various sites and forums. Maybe I can clarify the situation?!
1) The locomotive has not been purchased with local taxpayers money, it is entirely from the revenue generated by the Museum over the last 12 months. We now face significantly reduced external funding from any and all sources, so we must make our own way forward, which is currently backed by an increasing footfall through the Museum entrance – remember that every visit you make and pound you spend contributes to the money we have available for projects such as Dunrobin, Lewin, the Fish and Chip Shop etc. etc.
2) Whilst there have been comments that Dunrobin is geographically inappropriate for Beamish, it must be remembered that it was a main line loco that was not owned by any of the big four or their pre-grouping predecessors. It is a charming, Londonderry Railway-esque Victorian tank engine and one which is appropriate in spirit, charm and outline for our operation. We have sought to have our own small NER area locomotive, but they are just not available unless we build new…
3) I am aware of comments that the locomotive should have gone to one of the Scottish heritage sites – it has been available for sale for some years and from what I understand, a number of tentative enquiries were made – none were backed with a firm offer however, and it must be understood that Fort Steele had to have a good financial reason for parting with a much loved and cherished part of their collection.
4) Dunrobin will be restored into BR Black! I’m kidding! It will be NER Green! No, kidding again I’ve read the forums!) – as a museum we will of course set the highest standard in returning it to correct appearance for the 1895 – 1914 period of its life in the original green livery and lining as carried at that time. We will be removing all of the post-export modifications (except for the bell – which is hidden between the frames and remains as a reminder of a significant era in the locomotive’s history). Air brakes, air sanders and electric lighting will be removed in Canada. We will refit the manual sanding linkages (which were carefully kept by Fort Steele) and the entire vacuum brake system. This will be a thorough and museum standard restoration along the lines of that carried out on Coffee Pot No.1 and currently being carried out on the Lewin. No shortcuts!
5) Dunrobin will be available to visit other heritage railways – in fact I would encourage this. This year we already have three bookings for three different locomotives to visit other sites so I am always open to suggestions… 2013 will be the 150th anniversary of the Highland Railway so there is an incentive to have the restoration finished by then, and maybe some appropriate visit to HR territory then… Of course, having spent, by then, a significant amount of our Museum earnings on the engine, we will want to have it Beamish and in action as much as possible!
6) The coach will overhauled and placed in traffic. It appears to be in such excellent condition that not too take advantage of its double doors for enhanced visitor access would would seem to be a lost opportunity! A repaint will also be required as the livery is currently modified to mark the Canadian Centennial.

So, that’s where we are up to at the moment. With looming events we need as many visitors as possible to keep the cash flowing in, so we can sustain all of these exciting projects! This year you will be able to enjoy the site of the Y7 in operation every weekend from early April through to the end of October, so do come and support us…