Update on the restoration of steam locomotive 35011 “General Steam Navigation” – March 2022 

The General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society (GSNLRS) have published their latest update for March 2022.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The 2022 AGM for GSNLRS will be held at Blunsdon on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway on Sunday 15th of May 2022 (as long as government guidance allows so). The Swindon and Cricklade Railway will be running trains, along with their onsite cafe open for refreshments. Participants will be able to see 35011 and the latest progress on the restoration.

Engineering Update

Boiler – With majority of the tubes out, volunteers have been focusing on removing rust and scale build up in the firebox and boiler barrel. This work will continue to allow a boiler examination to take place.

Trailing Truck – Work progresses well at North Norfolk Railway Engineering, with the frame and wheels being shotblasted to remove rust and old paint. As the first component to be actively restored, the work becomes a key milestone in GSN’s restoration.

Crank Axle – Computered Aided Design (CAD) drawings for the axle completed, the difficult task of designing a chain-driver sprocket is underway. Soon it is hoped the Society can begin to find a manufacturer to produce the parts.

Frame – The five large brackets, for the external valve gear and screw reverser, have been removed. These are now surplus to requirement and will be offered for sale. Further removal of fittings is due to take place throughout this year. Current plan is to life the frame to allow the leading bogie, leading couples wheelset and trailing coupled wheelset to be removed. These can then be sent away for restoration.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Alongside looking for volunteers to assist the team at Blunsdon restoring ‘GSN’ or out on the sales stand, the Society have a few specific roles they looking for people to fill. These are as follows:

1. 1. Somebody with relevant legal experience to act in an advisory capacity when required. This would not be an onerous task or overly time consuming but would be a very useful addition to our team.
   2. To enable our engineering progress to step up a gear the Society does need to increase its income and anyone with fundraising experience or ideas would be extremely useful to the project.
   3. Advisor with experience of reviewing and drafting engineering / purchasing contracts to assist us when sending parts away for contract overhaul & such like.

If you are interested in any of the roles mentioned above, then please get in touch with Andrew Collett at [email protected] and we will look forward to welcoming you to our friendly team.

Fundraising Coach Trip

To help raise funds for both the GSNLRS and Swindon and Cricklade Railway, a four night and five day coach trip has been organised, starting on Monday 30th of May 2022, with a days visit to the South Devon Railway, Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway and Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway. Priced at £459pp, you can book your place by contacting Holidays & Cruises in Melksham on 01225 865725.

For more information or to start supporting the General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society, please visit their website here.