Episode 2: Steam Gala Prep: From Scrap to Steam

After a 53 year restoration will piglet get a one of a kind engine running again?

This week Piglet has the task of finishing a monumental loco restoration. The unique 9F engine was saved from a scrapyard over 50 years ago. Half a century has passed and many attempts to restore the engine – one of the most powerful to have been built in Britain - have failed. 

But now Piglet and his team at the engine shed are perilously close to get it steaming again. What makes this story all the more endearing is that Charlie, one of the people who originally saved the engine, now works as shed storeroom manager. A former BR train driver, Charlie has dreamt of the day when the engine would run again. Can Piglet make it finally happen?

Piglet also takes a big gamble on bringing the King Edward IV, another monster engine, to the gala.  It’s cost a small fortune to transport there but Piglet doesn’t even know if the huge engine will fit on the small branch line? If it doesn’t, boss Chris says Piglet’s for the chop. 

Elsewhere we meet Beth, the railway’s first female loco driver, and join Gill & Sammie on the Pullman dining train for their last afternoon tea service of the season.  There’s a storm in a tea-cup over scones which the ladies deal with in their own inimitable way.  On the Yorkshire Steam Railway everything is a drama but nothing really a crisis.  

With a combination of donations and grants the Charity has raised over 90% of the funds to deliver its YMJ project. The heritage railway still needs to raise an additional £800k over the next three years and is appealing for further support to achieve that target. 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund: Using money raised by the National Lottery, we inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. heritagefund.org.uk.

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund

   

 

Donate  Catch Up