I intend to chart progress on Dunrobin in a similar manner to the Coffee Pot/Lewin etc on the blog and will try and consistently title everything as Dunrobin Developments [number] so that they can easily be tracked by those with a particular interest in this project.

Well, since arriving at Bridgnorth last Thursday, the contract team has been stripping the engine in anticipation of removing the cab and tanks. There will be this initial flurry of activity after which things will settle down for a little while while we all give it some thought and cost out the options. Our aim is certainly to have a plan by the late summer however. As ever, we are reliant on income from our visitors, so please come to Beamish, have something to eat and buy something in the shop – it all supports projects like this one!

You may have read in some of the railway press that we are to launch an appeal – we are not.

We would welcome any donations towards the project however! The overall project, of which Dunrobin is a part, is known here as the ‘Rowley Development’ and is a capital work that included at an early stage for provision of a steam locomotive to work regularly at the station.

Also part of the project is construction of an engine shed and facilities, some general improvements to the operation and creating a new open area to the rear of the town, where the shed will be situated. This includes much tidying and fencing, a lot of which you will have seen on this blog. At present the new sidings in connection with the shed are being laid in. The aim is to ensure the operation is safe, sustainable and reliable – this can’t be a flash in the pan on the whim of a curator with a particular railway interest! The purchase of Dunrobin was part of this project (being one of a number of engines we considered, other options being dead ends or not being available/suitable).

The next phase is obviously the overhaul of the engine, and again to clarify the situation – the SVR are carrying out the preparations for the survey. They will, along with others, be invited to tender for the work against a Conservation Management Plan for the loco, which I am currently researching and writing. One thing I would add, this blog is definitive, accurate and true! I have been reading with interest some comments on some forums. All I would add is that you can see the news here first and know it can be relied upon!

Below: Duncan Ballard and his team have set to with dismantling Dunrobin, including emptying the water tanks which I had packed in Canada with all of the British looking bits in the engine shed – including vacuum pipes and runs, sanding gear and miscellaneous shaped bits of metal that looked like they were from the engine and coach!

Below: Removal of the front splashers/sandboxes revealed the smokebox to be in certain need of replacement – though an entombed spanner was an interesting discovery – seen here where it had probably dropped many years ago! Whilst we are hesitant to jump the gun about the loco’s condition, it would be fair to say that the boiler is still an unknown until accessible but mechanically the engine appears to be sound. The new tyres, fitted in 1971 it seems, certainly have a lot of life in them. Platework appears to be in excellent condition too. Examination of the fittings and items such as bearings/journals will be required before being able to say anything further. Members of the Highland Railway Society have been very helpful and we now have General Arrangement drawings for engine and coach (which I will deal with under separate headings in the blog). The CMP will also define the finished appearance of Dunrobin, which will be aimed at pre WW1 in guise and livery. Both photos from Duncan Ballard

A quick summary of the main transport projects may be of interest – this is by no means an exhaustive list however! It might give some indication of what a curator’s time is spent doing…

• Dunrobin – survey towards restoration to steam
• Coach 58A – survey towards early restoration to running order at Beamish
• Design and construction of engine shed and facilities
• Lewin – continue to fruition this lengthy reconstruction and conservation project
• Ruston Portable – work on boiler continues slowly
• Newcastle 114 – this tram will imminently rejoin the running fleet
• Commission 101 this summer
• Continue to review and update Safety Management System and rule books
• Continue to develop staff training for operation of steam exhibits
• Investigate recommissioning NER clerestory coach No.3071 for 2012 season
• Restoration of Forcett Coach for use at Waggonway
• Develop and implement medium – long term strategy for transport collections and systems on the Museum site
• Develop a range of publications about the transport collections at Beamish
• Organising two four day transport events per annum