Following on from the update regarding 34028 Eddystone heading for mainline operation later this year, Southern Locomotives Ltd have also given updates to the other locomotives that make up their fleet.

With some locomotives in service, out for overhaul or being resorted to full working order, there is a lot happening with the fleet, which is dispersed across heritage railways and sites across the South of England.

Following minor firebox repairs, 34053 Sir Keith Park / 303 Squadron returned to service on the Spa Valley Railway; meanwhile, a new centre ash pan has been installed below the grate, replacing a badly damaged section.

34070 Manston operated several of the several Polar Express Christmas services on the Swanage Railway last December.

At the start of this year, the loco is still in weathered condition and is undergoing routine winter maintenance, preparing it for the 2025 running season.

34072 257 Squadron will return to the Swanage Railway in March after 35005 Canadian Pacific returns to the Mid Hants Railway following its overhaul.

257 Squadron had a successful time on the Mid Hants and also ran on services before Christmas in December.

The overhaul of standard class 4 tank No. 80104 continues, with work on the firebox sides and foundation ring now complete.

The boiler is expected to be re-tubed this month following the return of the superheater header, which has been sent away for specialist welding.

Work on the slots on the radius rods is currently nearing completion, while two new piston rods are also being made. It is hoped that re-assembly of the locomotive will begin in late spring.

The boiler of 34058 Sir Fredrick Pile has joined that of 34010 Sidmouth at Tyseley. At the group’s site in Sellindge workers have fully dismantled the rest of 34058, treating the frames to remove rust and grime before painting.

Austerity Saddle Tank, Norman, arrived at Sellindge following its time at the East Lancashire Railway, and all the parts have been stored in a container that was set aside for the locomotive prior to its arrival.

Work on Norman will progress rapidly so that it can be re-wheeled to get it under cover after J94 No. 68078 vacates the space in the upcoming months.

Antwerp is under the care of Southern Locomotives Ltd and has never been restored to working order in preservation.

It will need the same amount of work as Norman, if not more, because of the long time it has spent out of service. It is hoped work on Antwerp will start once Norman’s overhaul is nearly complete.