Loughborough Works

Image: © Ashley Dace Taken: 28 Jan 2012

An interesting restoration shed, closed to the public after thefts. However tours can be arranged. The shed is an ex aircraft one, I heard many years ago anyway. Here WCC Boscastle is under restoration along with a BR standard class. 73156 is the last survivor of all Doncaster-built BR standards. Allocated to Neasden depot (34E), from where she would regularly work on the ex-Great Central line. After several spells at sheds on the London Midland Region, she was withdrawn in 1967. When rescued from Barry and taken to the East Lancashire Railway, most minor parts had already been sold, but many new ones were purchased and fitted by 2003, when she was transferred to the Great Central to continue restoration, which is now progressing well. A new BR1B tender is being built off-site to replace the original. Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BR_Standard_Class_5_73156 34039 was built at Brighton Works, and was based at Stewarts Lane TMD (73A). She was rebuilt at Eastleigh for use in Bournemouth (71B), and was withdrawn from service in 1965. She became the first motive power at Loughborough in 1973. Restoration was not completed until 1992, with many issues causing withdrawal in 2000. A group was formed in 2005 which is now working to return her to working order with a £200,000 overhaul programme. The boiler is off site, while the chassis and wheels are under maintenance for completion in 2011/12. Wiki

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