Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway Trust to purchase 9F steam locomotive No. 92207 Morning Star

The Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust says that it has agreed to purchase BR 9F No. 92207 Morning Star.

The current owner, Keith Bottomley, has been restoring the 2-10-0 locomotive at his private site in Poole, Dorset, whilst the boiler is currently at the East Lancs Railway, where it will stay until the funds are in place to have it overhauled. The sale of the locomotive has been made due to poor health.

Negotiations between the railway and the owner have been ongoing for over a year to confirm the condition of the loco as well as what parts are included in the sale.

It isn’t yet known when the 9F will arrive at the Midsomer Norton site, especially as the railway wants to find undercover facilities before the loco is moved. The SDRHT says that restoration can continue where the locomotive is currently stored, especially as the chassis has had a number of hours and thousands of pounds spent on it.

92207 is classed as a long term restoration project and has a 10-year timescale to complete the restoration. The Trust says that, whilst their line is only a mile long, it hopes that the locomotive will help to future proof the line as well be a railway ambassador when it visits other heritage railways.

S&DRHT Chairman Stephen Lacey stated that the locomotive will become the  “jewel in the crown” for the railway and the size of the challenge is not to be underestimated.

It is estimated that the restoration of 92207 is expected to cost more than £500,000. Around 75% of the parts exist, though a new tender is needed.

Whilst a new tender tank and frames will be needed, wheel sets from a Class 40 locomotive have been purchased and other parts obtained – the railway also says that they can look into borrowing a tender from another group if their locomotive is out of traffic.

If you would like to donate towards bringing 92207 back to steam, please click here.