The Darjeeling Tank Locomotive Trust has issued an update on the overhaul of its two-foot-gauge steam locomotive No. 19B, which used to operate on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India.

The locomotive, Kerr Stuart No. 19B, was built in 1889, and until recently had been owned by the late Adrian Shooter.

In 2023, the Darjeeling Tank Locomotive Trust raised £300,000 to purchase the locomotive, which at the time was operating at the Statfold Barn Railway.

On 7th October 2023, it was withdrawn for its first overhaul since 2004, when it was overhauled at Tyseley.

When No. 19B was purchased, the Trust knew the locomotive’s boiler was near the end of its ten-year ticket and was in poor condition.

After its overhaul commenced, a boiler inspection showed that although it was possible to repair the boiler, it was far preferable to purchase a new one.

This meant that £130,000 needed to be raised, which, through the generosity of generous supporters, and helped by the Statfold Barn Railway and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society, was achieved.

Construction of a new boiler was put out to tender, with the successful bidder being the Ffestiniog Railway’s Boston Lodge Works, which has experience in designing and manufacturing new boilers.

After insurance and other safety authorities had approved the design, materials were ordered, although there were some unavoidable delays in getting them delivered.

In April this year, supporters of the overhaul of No. 19B were invited to Boston Lodge Works to view progress on the new boiler under construction.

At Boston Lodge Works, the Trust’s Trustee and Engineering Lead, Will Smith, and Works Manager, Jon Whalley, described the new boiler and associated fittings, and explained the details surrounding the construction of a new boiler, and how the firebox will be fitted to the boiler shell; also joining the visitors to explain the work was the welder at Boston Lodge, Bob Yates.

After discussions around work to construct the boiler, the party were given a tour of Boston Lodge Works.