King Edward I mobile again after West Somerset work

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THE return of ‘King’ No. 6024 King Edward I took a major step forward on March 15 when the popular main line performer was reunited with its wheels at Minehead, West Somerset Railway.

The frames were taken out of the workshop during the previous afternoon, the first time they had seen the light of day for around five years.

The following morning the frames were lifted, and the wheelsets and bogie, which had been overhauled at Tyseley Locomotive Works, were rolled into position.

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Once the axleboxes had been carefully lined up, the frames were lowered and No. 6024 became mobile once more.

The frames of No. 6024 King Edward I are lowered onto the waiting wheelsets at Minehead on March 15. PAUL ORRELLS

The rolling chassis was subsequently returned to the workshop, where 6024 Preservation Society volunteers will continue reassembly in readiness for the return of the ‘King’s’ boiler to Somerset.

Only the next day a working party was on site re-fitting the springs.

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Work on the boiler is continuing at Riley & Son in Heywood, with the intention being it receives a 10-year ticket at the latest date possible.

No. 6024’s Collett 4,000-gallon tender is also nearing completion at Highbridge.

Modifications to house the necessary electrical equipment for main line running have been made, and the wiring is currently being undertaken before the chassis can be
re-united with the wheel sets and the tank.

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