Hello Everyone! Today I am at the Lakeshore Railroad In South Marine Park (South Shields) to see a unfamiliar face running at the Railway today! And that Loco Is Brock from the Downs Light Railway!
Locomotive History: The product of the doyen of miniature locomotive builders, David Curwen; "Brock" was completed in 1974 for the Downs Light Railway as the fruition of respected railway historian and DLR trustee James Boyd's "Big Engine" policy, becoming the second resident steam locomotive on the railway prior to "James Boyd's" completion in 1992. After 35 years service, "Brock" bowed out of action in 2009, requiring a new boiler and general overhaul. From there on she largely sat dormant, gradually receiving attention from Timothy Pennock and Freddie Toher until the new boiler eventually arrived in 2022 and a concerted push was made towards her completion.
Gracing our metals on static display for the first time at our 50th Anniversary Weekend last year, "Brock" stayed on once all other visitors had left to allow us to assist in it's overhaul and eventual return to service, further strengthening the vital bond of friendship and cooperation that exists between ourselves and our fellow 9 1/2" gauge operators.
Now back in one piece, "Brock" will be making regular appearances out on the railway to aid running it in before it begins to accumulate much needed milage on passenger services, adding a hint of blue once again to our black and maroon steam fleet for the duration of the season. It will then return to Timothy Pennock's workshop in Worcestershire for final completion of work and sign off.
Albeit not yet pulling passenger services, today will be your first of many chances to see (and hear) "Brock" in steam and out on the line, hauling a mix of goods stock as it continues running in.
(Credit to Lakeshore Railroad Facebook for the History.)
16 окт 2024
