80064 – the journey to running on the WSR
The big boiler lift
The work has progressed to the point where we need to lift the boiler out to examine it and see what’s needed. So on the 28th November the big crane was called in and the boiler lifted out.
As the disassembly work progresses the team are gaining a better understanding of what is needed to return her to steam. This is likely to be more than first estimated as a number of unexpected issues are emerging so please consider making a donation using the button below.
Continuing the Disassemble
The work to disassemble the loco progresses a little each week. The photos below are from the Tuesday group of volunteers. The new container is now in place with suitable shelving for parts storage and the work continues.
As the disassemble progresses we will have a better understanding of the full cost of restoring this loco. Based on current knowledge, we estimate that it will be at least £250,000, so please consider making a donation using the button below.
The start of the big disassemble
Following the WSR Spring Steam Spectacular when the loco was on display for visitors to view, it was taken back into the shed for the work to begin.
Alongside the planning and costing work the dismantling has also begun. A new container has been purchased to securely store the parts so they can be cleaned and restored in due course. In May 2024 a volunteer team began the dismantling work. Images are courtesy of Mike Wightman and Steve Wosley.
The team still needs more volunteers. If you’d like to get involved and can spare some time to work on our locos at Williton please contact the lead Trustee Jeff Price for more details.
How it all began
British Railways Standard Class 4MT 2-6-4 Tank Locomotive No 80064 was built at Brighton, outshopped in June 1953 and was initially allocated to the London Midland Region before transferring to Southern Region ownership in December 1959. It was transferred to Exmouth Junction following the electrification of the Kent Coast railway. In September 1963 Exmouth and the area was transferred to Western Region control and so it then transferred to Western Region ownership.
80064 was withdrawn from service in September 1965 and sold to Woodham Brothers at Barry for scrap. It arrived in the scrapyard in October 1965 and remained there until February 1973.
Following the purchase by the 80064 Locomotive Fund, the locomotive was moved to Buckfastleigh on the Dart Valley Railway (now the South Devon Railway) in 1973 where the long task of restoring was started. 80064 steamed again in 1981.
In 1984 the owners moved the locomotive to the Bluebell Railway where it worked for a number of years until its boiler certificate expired around 1989.
Towards the end of 2023 locomotive 80064 was donated by its owning group to the West Somerset Railway Association and relocated to the West Somerset Railway where plans are being made for its restoration.
Locomotives of this type have been used on the West Somerset Railway in the past and proved ideal for the challenging gradients and heavy loadings experienced on the WSR: the longest full-size preserved railway in England. It will be ideal to replace the locomotives currently in service, when they are withdrawn on expiry of their boiler certificates, over the next 4 years.
WSRA chair Geoff Garfield with Locomotive 80064 Fund Chair Colin Turner, celebrating the donation of the locomotive to WSRA.
80064 in service on the Bluebell in 1986 – image Mike Esau