This Fowler 0-4-0 diesel loco (3900002 built in 1945) is in the process of being cosmetically restored by a group of members. The group consists of 3 passenger guards and a couple of junior members.
A photograph of the loco has been obtained showing the condition that it left the factory in Leeds. It was painted in Holly Green edged in black, lined and lettered out for Halifax Gasworks. This shows that the loco had a copper cap to the chimney. Upon investigations it has been found that this exists under many coats of paint. On 25/6/2005 work commenced on removing the paint from the copper cap (see image to the right).
After working for Halifax the loco was transferred to Keighley Gasworks and was purchased by Middleton Railway from Cohens scrap yard. Information supplied by Ian Smith indicates that whilst working at Halifax the loco carried the name "ALDERMAN W REGAN JP".
Copper Cap in the process of being restored to original condition. Image taken by A.M. Johnson 26/6/2005.
The blue Fowler is no more! Work has commenced on rubbing down the paint, needle gunning the rusty metal and patching and filling the rusty areas. A base coat of grey primer has been applied to the cab, bonnet and various other areas. Some of the group cosmetically restoring it have thought perhaps we leave it in photo grey, but no it will be green with the copper cap.
A radiator cap has been procured to cover the gap where the original would have appeared in front of the chimney.
A shunt has taken place and the loco has gone into the shed (May 2006). This is probably the first time that it has been under cover since it arrived at Middleton.
- New cab roof
- Replacement of the chimney
- Replacement of the wooden sandwich of the buffer beams
- New steel sections welded in to replace rotten sections on the cab
- Footsteps on the side of the radiator
Work to be carried out includes
If you have seen the fotopic site of fictitious liveries you may have seen the LNER A4 in Virgin Pendolino livery. Click here to see what the Fowler could look like in Virgin Voyager livery.
The cab roof has been stripped off ready for the replacement. (That's some sun roof!).
One side of the cab (opposite side to the photo on the left) has also been removed ready for a complete replacement side cutting and rivetting back into place.
Quite a lot of the tinwork and framework has been dismantled so that it can be assessed for rust. Whilst there is ample access to the engine it has been repainted into grey with details picked out in orange.
More constructive progress has taken place since it has been dismantled into smaller sub sections. It has been suggest that it could be possible to make it a runner as well.
Between the buffers is the fuel tank that has been painted gloss black. To use up some of the black paint that had been put into a paint tray the front buffers have had some paint applied. The front buffer beam will be removed so that the timber can be replaced by a new piece.
Various rusty bolts were removed by careful use of a grinder, as can be seen by the action shot of Kris Ward.
Steady progress has taken place. The new wooden buffer beam has been cut drilled shaped and painted. It has been fitted along with the steel outer plate and buffers. The plates that make up the buffer have had a few layers of filler put on and then sanded down to form a smooth finish. Work has commenced upon the rebuilding of the gearbox cover, it has had additional strengthening bars bolted inside.
The decision has been made to replace as many rotten pieces of steel plate as possible.