Bahamas Locomotive Society has announced that 45596 Bahamas has passed its final test runs on the mainline.
The locomotive took part in a light engine test run between Tyseley and Stratford-upon-Avon in the morning of the 31st January 2019.
It then hauled coaching stock and a Class 47 locomotive to Leicester Humberstone Road and back in the evening of the 31st January 2019.
The locomotive has now passed its fitness to run test with flying colours.
It is expected that 45596 Bahamas will return to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway on Tuesday 5th February 2019 ahead of its inaugural railtour on the 9th February 2019 to Carlisle and back.
What did the officials say?
Society Chairman Keith Whitmore said:
I am delighted that our locomotive is now ready to run and will return from Tyesley Locomotive Works to Keighley (timings available on realtime trains) and after a 25 year gap will again be giving pleasure to thousands of enthusiasts and families who will be able to turn out and ride behind and see our locomotive, always a favorite with enthusiasts back where it belongs back on the main line. We now look forward to working with main line steam operators and I am especially pleased that our first trip on February 9th will be in partnership with our friends at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway where we are based for a memorable run over the Settle and Carlisle Railway. We are in particular grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund who have made the 5 year overhaul of the locomotive possible with their financial support and to Tyesley Locomotive Works in Birmingham who have overseen the overhaul in conjunction with our locomotive team.
Chief Engineer Steve Allsop said:
it was rewarding to see the 5 year restoration and overhaul come to a satisfactory conclusion and the partnership working with Bob and Alistair Meanley and the Tyesley team had culminated in a project to be proud of. After a couple of issues on the first test run, we now have a locomotive both fit to run and to wow the crowds.
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Great news to hear, of Bahamas’ success in testing, and gaining certification. With the expertise involved of Bob and Alistair Meanley, and Tyesley Locomotive Works, I’d say there was little chance of things not going to plan, although undoubtedly there must have been one or two hurdles along the way. So three cheers to BLS, and Tyseley – congratulations on completing 5 years of hard work! 🙂