2678 Blog
2678 Blog
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- Published: Monday, 25 March 2019 15:40
News and updates on the restoration of 2678
Click here for full details of Terrier 150 programme
MAY 2021
2678 returns to service
See more in News section, including 2678's journey to theIsle of Wight
NOVEMBER 2020
2678 on the Right Track
On the way back - smoke drifts from 2678's chimney
17 Nov 2020 - courtesy Dan Dickson
2678’s return to service took a big step forward on 17 November when the 140 year old locomotive was moved from the Locomotive Shed to the yard at Rolvenden and a warming fire lit in readiness for testing.
Signwriter Matt Green at work - November 2020
The Victorian veteran looks stunning in the 1940s “Bulleid” Southern livery of unlined black with sunshine lettering. The Trust extends its thanks to Dan Dickson, Liam Head and the rest of the team at Rolvenden that have worked on the overhaul including Richard Stone who was responsible for the mirror finish on the paintwork and Matt Green who carried out the signwriting.
The ex-works condition of the cab demonstrates the care and attention that the team at Rolvenden has given 2678 - courtesy Liam Head
Final testing and running in is expected over the next few weeks in readiness for a formal return to service which Covid restrictions mean will likely be early in the New Year.
A new dome to replace the original cracked one is on order, in the meantime, the Bluebell Railway has kindly loaned the one from sister locomotive, Fenchurch.
The new Isle of Wight style bunker receives its first load as 2678 is coaled ahead of testing - 17 Nov 2020 - courtesy Dan Dickson
JULY 2020
Recent progress has seen 2678's boiler partially lagged and reunited with the frames for a trial fitting
Photo © Robin White
2678's boiler is eased gently back into the frames Photo © Laurence Donaldson
JUNE 2020
Further progress with painting - June 2020 Photo © Robin White
We’re delighted that work on 2678 has resumed at Rolvenden works and while the priority is currently getting the serviceable locos back into traffic ready for the K&ESR’s resumption of services in July, further painting has been carried out as the frames and motion await the refitting of the boiler.
Some further detail on the steam test carried in March. This identified a leak from the dome. The original (on ground in silver) turned out to have a long crack between the mounting holes and the bell of the dome.
The K&ESR had a spare dome (on ground, left in green primer) which was thought to be from a Terrier but didn’t fit! Does anyone know which loco it might be from?
Until one can be manufactured, we are grateful to our friends from the Bluebell Railway for the loan of the steam dome from terrier ‘Fenchurch’. The eagle-eyed will spot that this dome is smaller, being originally for an ‘A1’ boiler rather than the later ‘A1X’ type but has been fitted with an extension piece. The new dome will be funded from the Terrier 150 Appeal being run jointly by The Terrier Trust and K&ESR to fund the overhauls of 2678 and No 3 Bodiam in time for the anniversary of the class in 2022 - DONATE NOW.
Meanwhile, the tanks are due back shortly from the contractor in Southampton and then a start can be made on reassembly.
Boiler June 2020 Photo © Robin White
APRIL 2020
The lockdown in response to coronavirus has slowed work in April and delayed updates here but good progress was made in February and early March.
Boiler test - March 2020 Photo © Dan Dickson
Isle of Wight style bunker fitted and painted - February & March 2020 Photos © Dan Dickson
Cut along dotted line! The preservation-era bunker about to be removed - 7 February 2020. Photo © Andy Hardy
JANUARY 2020
2678 on Schedule for Spring Return To Steam Shed staff and volunteers at the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s Rolvenden Loco Works are making good progress with the overhaul of locomotive 2678 in readiness for the popular “Terrier” Class engine to make a return to traffic this spring – 80 years after the 1880-built veteran first arrived on the line. FULL STORY HERE
Funds are still needed to allow momentum to be maintained.
OCTOBER 2019
The old boards from the cab floor have been removed and the metalwork underneath thoroughly needlegunned to removed the accumalted coal dust and other debris.
Photo © Liam Head - 9 October 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
With the daily running season over the staff and volunteers at the K&ESR's Rolvenden Works have been able to focus on 2678's overhaul and have made rapid progress
Download the latest report here 2678 Update - Sept 2019
JULY 2019
The K&ESR's 36ton steam crane was used to lift 2678's boiler
Photo © Alan Crotty - 8 July 2019
JUNE 2019
Adrian Landi and Dan Dickson removing rivets in prepartion for the removal of the smokebox
Photo © David Nibloe - 26 June 2019
MAY 2019
2678 stripped down in readiness for a visit from the boiler inspector
Photo © Robin White - 24 May 19
Terrier Trust members visited Rolvenden following the Trust's AGM on 11 May to see progress on 2678 first-hand. Dismantling is proceeding apace with tanks, dome, chimney and part of the cab removed in preparation for lifting the boiler out of the frames.
A largely-dismantled 2678 stands in the yard at Rolvenden © Graham Hukins - 11 May 19
APRIL 2019
32678 devoid of chimney as dismantling progresses © Tom White - 30 Apr 19
The remaining cab fittings had been taken off by the end of April © Tom White - 30 Apr 19
MARCH 2019
32678 with gauges and some cab fittings removed ready for the start of her overhaul © David Brenchley - 20 Mar 19
Staff and volunteers at the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s Rolvenden locomotive works have made a start on the overhaul of Trust's locomotive No. 32678 which should see the 1880-built Terrier return to service towards the end of this year - the first element of the exciting Terrier 150 initiative.
FEBRUARY 2019
The sunset of 32678's previous spell in traffic came in late February. She is seen here rounding Orpin's curve near Rolvenden on 22 Feb 19. © Andrew Hardy