73156 was purchased In November 1985 and transported to Bury the following year. Prior to this move, regular visits were made to Woodham’s Scrapyard at Barry in preparation her for this event and, upon arrival at the East Lancashire Railway at Bury, work started immediately on stripping the loco. Having been in the scrapyard for 18 years, and with other groups purchasing locomotives and components there, many removable components had already been taken from 73156 prior to purchase. The tender had been sold and, partly for these reasons, our loco was a less attractive potential purchase for others. Restoration of 73156 would be a huge challenge.

De-rusting, dismantling, cleaning and assessing the removed components for re-use or as patterns for new components not covered by available drawings. It is impossible to itemise every job done during the Bury years, especially the trials and tribulations along the way, but very significant progress was made.

Some major work at several sites still lies ahead, but activities are progressing well. The boiler and cab, re-tyred wheels and fully restored frames are at Loughborough. A new tender has been constructed, all outstanding motion parts have been manufactured and machined and the final batch of patterns required for piping up work has also been obtained. Over 90% of parts we required are now either fitted to the loco or are in storage awaiting fitting. The boiler and firebox overhaul will be the final stage of the restoration.

For information please contact Ian Bartlett on 01772 620115

March 2009