The Gresley Society has announced a major milestone in the overhaul of Gresley class N2 No. 1744 at the North Norfolk Railway workshops at Weybourne after the locomotive was steamed for the first time since 2018 on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

The engine also carried out a series of light engine movements around the yard.

Overhaul work on Sir Nigel Gresley’s oldest surviving locomotive, withdrawn from traffic in late 2018, has involved extensive boiler and mechanical repairs at a cost approaching £800,000.

The North Norfolk Railway agreed to complete the work, recovering costs through the locomotive’s future operational use.

The locomotive’s boiler previously completed a successful re-hydraulic test to 255psi in April 2026 – equivalent to 1.5 times its safe working pressure. The examination was witnessed by boiler inspector Andy Wright of BTIS, who confirmed he was fully satisfied with the results.

Final work now includes a Part 2 Boiler Examination, painting, and remaining assembly tasks, including fitting the brick arch to the firebox. No. 1744 is expected to return to traffic on the NNR in July 2026 in Great Northern Railway green livery.

Meanwhile, the N2 Overhaul Completion Club has raised more than £56,000 towards its £100,000 target.

“The successful steaming and light engine movements mark another major step forward in returning No. 1744 to traffic. We remain grateful to the North Norfolk Railway and all those supporting the project. With The N2 Overhaul Completion Club now well over halfway to its target, we urge LNER enthusiasts to join us so that this unique Gresley tank engine can once again haul trains – including the Midland & Great Northern Society’s Gresley Quad-Art carriages – on the North Norfolk Railway in Sir Nigel Gresley’s 150th anniversary year.”

Philip Benham MBE, Chairman of The Gresley Society.