West Somerset Railway Association

Connecting and coupling rods removed today. Quite a few of the bearing brasses are loose in their rods. Most of the air brake system is now removed. Injector delivery pipes, steam heat and vacuum pipes removed. Some of the vac pipework will need repair or replacing as expected.

Work is progressing on 80064’s boiler at Rileys in Lancashire. The picture shows boiler with the front tube plate removed.

The original British Railways era steel front tube plate as lost up to 50% of its original thickness following its 10 years of service on heritage railways then some 30 plus years in store awaiting overhaul

A replacement tube plate will be welded and machined to modern standards to help progress this restoration.

In another important step forwards for the West Somerset Railway Association’s locomotive restoration programme, the chassis for BR Standard 4 loco 80064 has today been sent from the WSR to the East Somerset Railway’s Locomotive Workshops. The overhaul of the chassis will be done there by their dedicated volunteer team. 

Work on the chassis is scheduled for completion at the ESR to coincide with the completion of work on the boiler for the loco, which is now at Riley and Son. It is hoped that boiler and chassis will be reunited and restoration will be complete in time for 80064 to be ready for service on the WSR during the summer season of 2028, after a brief running in period on the ESR. 

Steve Masters from the East Somerset Railway said “The ESR is very excited to have been given the opportunity to overhaul 80064 for the WSRA. Work will start as soon as Ivatt Class 2 No.46447 is finished and has vacated the workshop. This is expected to be by the end of May. 

Since 2012, the ESR’s workshops have overhauled or restored seven locomotives, either to provide motive power for the line, or on a contract basis which generates much needed income for the railway in exchange for the efforts of our hard working, enthusiastic volunteers. 

Visitors to the ESR will be able to watch the progress of 80064’s overhaul as well as having the opportunity to ride behind the loco throughout the running in period.

London Marathon Success for Team WSRA

We are delighted to share the fantastic achievement of our two WSRA entrants in this year’s London Marathon, Joe Rogers pictured right and Reece Bartle-Coates pictured left.

Both runners successfully completed the challenge, demonstrating real determination and commitment in support of the Association. Reece crossed the finish line in an impressive 4 hours 30 minutes, while Joe followed with a very commendable time of 5 hours 9 minutes. Taking on the London Marathon is no small feat, and we are immensely proud of them both.

Joe’s achievement is particularly noteworthy. Having been unable to run in 2025 due to injury, he took on this year’s race still not fully recovered. His perseverance and resolve to complete the marathon under such circumstances are truly inspiring.

Even more encouraging is the support they inspired along the way. Between them, Joe and Reece have raised approximately £4,000 for the 80064 Restoration Fund. This is a wonderful contribution towards the ongoing work to return this much-loved locomotive to steam.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Joe and Reece for their dedication, as well as to everyone who sponsored and supported them. Efforts like this make a real difference and show the strength of support for the WSRA and its projects.

Congratulations once again to both runners on a superb achievement!

An update from WSRA runner Reece who is running the 2026 London Marathon on behalf of the WSRA and the 80064 Restoration Fund in particular.

I hit a massive milestone today – my longest training run to date at 20 miles!

We have now officially raised over 50% of the £2,000 target!

Donate here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/…/reece…