Popular with members of the crew and public alike, the return of "Eddystone" has been eagerly anticipated in the Bulleid Pacifics' absense. Ex-SR Rebuilt 'West Country' Class - 34028 "Eddystone", owned by Southern Locomotives Ltd, first steamed in preservation in late 2003 following an extensive restoration from scrapyard condition. 34028 gave a decade of faithful service, before withdrawal on the 17th of August 2014 on the expirey of the boiler ticket.
The first stages of an overhaul began in 2016 when 34028 enetered Herston Works, workshop of the Swanage Railway and home to SLL, for stripping of components and cladding. From here, the boiler and chassis were taken by road to Buckfastleigh where the boiler was lifted for overhaul, as the chassis continued to Tyseley for the subsequent overhaul of the axleboxes. After 34072 "257 Squadron" left Herston Works in August 2017, there was space to welcome 34028 back into the works, entering the workshop in December. The overhaul of the chassis progressed well, as the locomotive was reunited with its overhauled boiler in December 2019. Despite a global pandemic, a quick but thorough reassembly of the locomotive ensued with "Eddystone" emerging back into the sunshine in April 2021. The Bulleid pacific was transfered to the Swanage Railway, where a testing program was undertaken before the locomotive re-entered service on the 24th of May.
34028 stands as testement to the continued dedication and hard work demonstrated by all the volunteers and paid staff alike, who contributed to the overhaul of the locomotive. And also, in memoriam to those who sadly passed away before the locomotive returned to steam.
Filming dates:
00:10 - Under overhaul 05/07/2018
00:39 - Leaving Herston Works 26/04/2021
03:55 - Light test runs 10-11/05/2021
07:36 - Loaded test runs 18/05/2021
10:21 - In service 30/05/2021
