19th February 2023
Wadebridge Chairman’s Report
The great news is, of course, that Wadebridge’s overhaul is now under way. As David Ford explains in more detail, in the Engineering Report, the locomotive is being dismantled by Riley’s in Heywood and we are aiming for a return to service by the end of 2025 or early 2026. To say this is an exciting prospect is to put it mildly!
Our strategy is to conduct the overhaul in such a way as to keep open the possibility of operating Wadebridge on the main line as well as on the Watercress Line and other heritage railways. This means that we will be working with a Vehicle Acceptance Body to ensure that we properly record the detailed aspects of the work so that we can demonstrate that the specified standards are being met.
Any decision on ‘going main line’ will depend on judgements, nearer the time, about the technical and commercial wisdom of doing so. The modernisation of Network Rail’s signalling and traffic management systems could complicate the challenge of installing the required equipment on the locomotive. We would also need to develop a viable operations plan in concert with an established main line steam operator. Who knows what the market for steam charters will be in a few years’ time? We must always temper ambition with realism but, right now, we want to keep the main line option on the table.
As the project moves forward, we can allow ourselves the luxury of thinking about Wadebridge’s future livery. The locomotive will retain its standard-sized smoke deflectors, V-shaped cab, and high-sided tender. So that essentially gives us two choices: late 1940s malachite green, with the number ‘s21C107’ but without ‘Southern’ on the tender, or mid-1950s Brunswick green, numbered 34007 and with the original BR emblem on the tender. Minor variations on these themes would be possible and I predict some lively discussions about authenticity. We do not have to rush to a decision, but it will be ‘fun’ to talk through the options.
Current progress with the overhaul has been made possible through the extraordinary generosity of our Patron and Benefactor, Mr Alexander Choremi. Without his amazing donations, we would not have been able to sign contracts and press ahead with the work. However, we must all continue to support the Wadebridge project financially and in other ways. Returning our locomotive to steam and running it for the ten-year duration of its boiler certificate will necessitate a sustained collective effort.
The rewards of success will be plain to see – an immaculate Wadebridge in steam and demonstrating just what magnificent locomotives the unrebuilt Bulleids have always been. Let’s work together to make it happen!
