A Tender behind – and then there were three!!
Readers will recall that we moved our original two tenders from the Mid Norfolk Railway in Dereham to CTL Seal’s premises in Sheffield as part of the 'Big Move' last year. Subsequently, the Manchester United Project to recreate a 'mock up' of the B17 Locomotive of the same name was terminated; this was located in the grounds of the Woking Miniature Railway in Surrey.
The Group responsible for this Project kindly donated the tender and various sundry items to the B17 SLT for which we are very grateful. When Brian Hall, our Chairman, first visited the site it was clear that the 'mock up' of the engine had to be dismantled before we could gain access to the tender and the section of track which we had been given. We asked to be advised when we might gain access for the removal of our items.
Thus it was that a second visit was made to the site on Friday 11th June, in order to see if we could gain access now that the ‘engine’ had been dismantled. We met Stuart Smith, our Haulage Contractor, on site to discuss arrangements for the move. After inspection, it was decided that Stuart would send down one truck to remove the track and the sundry items (including another pair of buffers), taking them to Sheffield. He would then supply a second truck, approx. one week later, in order to move the tender. This would allow us to assemble the track in Sheffield before placing the tender on it.
The 61662 Project tender with Stuart Smith and Brian Hall discussing the options.
Photo by Larry Sampson
Hopefully we will end up with all 3 tenders side by side – is this the largest collection of possible B17 Tenders in one place? I am sure that they will all give up useful parts for the new Spirit of Sandringham tender.