The oldest surviving locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, Gresley Class N2 GNR No. 1744, has taken a major step towards returning to service after being reunited with its superheater header, chimney, and sidetanks at the North Norfolk Railway (NNR) workshops in Weybourne.

Withdrawn in late 2018, No. 1744’s overhaul began in 2019 but was quick to prove more complex and costly than anticipated. Delays caused by Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine extended the timeline, while stripping the locomotive revealed the scale of the work required. The total restoration cost is expected to reach £800,000 by completion.

Recent milestones include fitting the superheater header to the overhauled boiler, refitting the chimney, and installing the refurbished sidetanks and the front of the cab. Next, superheater elements will be added, and the locomotive will receive its signature GNR green livery. Following weighing and spring balancing, the locomotive will undergo hydraulic and in-steam tests to complete the overhaul.

To fund the final £100,000, The Gresley Society have launched the N2 Overhaul Completion Club, inviting 100 supporters to contribute £1,000 each. Members enjoy a certificate signed by John Cameron and Chairman Philip Benham, exclusive behind-the-scenes visits, reserved seats on early journeys, a limited-edition print, and a year’s free membership in The Gresley Society Trust.

Since launching in November 2024, the Club has already raised nearly £45,000. With the locomotive steadily taking shape, enthusiasts can look forward to seeing No. 1744 back on the rails in late spring 2026.

“The Gresley Society was created to preserve a working Gresley locomotive, and we owe it to our founders, and for the benefit and education of today’s generation, to maintain that vision. The latest progress on No. 1744’s overhaul at the North Norfolk Railway is one more step towards the return of Sir Nigel Gresley’s oldest surviving locomotive to traffic in late spring 2026 resplendent in its distinctive Great Northern Railway livery – hopefully in time for the 150th anniversary of Sir Nigel’s birth on 19 June 2026.

“However, The Gresley Society is not yet out of the woods financially and launched a major £100,000 financial appeal with The N2 Overhaul Completion Club to fund No. 1744’s return to traffic which has already raised almost £45,000. I’d encourage all LNER lovers who want to see the class N2 paired once again with the Midland & Great Northern Society’s unique set of Quad-Art carriages on the North Norfolk Railway to get on board with our appeal!

Philip Benham MBE, Chairman of The Gresley Society.