BR Standard Class 5 73096
British Railways Standard Class 5 No. 73096 is a preserved British steam locomotive. Unnamed in service, it is now operated by the Mid-Hants Railway on the Watercress Line between Alresford and Alton.
In its new lease of life as a tourist attraction, 73096 has been temporarily disguised as 73080 Merlin[1] and as 73054,[1] for special events and commemorations.
Locomotive History
73096 was built at the Derby Works in November 1955[1] and was used on the London Midland and Western Regions of British Railways.[1] It was withdrawn from service in November 1967.[1]
Preservation
Rescued from the scrapyard in July 1985,[1] 73096 was returned to service in October 1993,[1] following major boiler overhaul[1] and the construction of a new tender,[1] based on the chassis from a Jubilee class tender.[1]
In September 2011, the boiler certificate expired and 73096 was consequently withdrawn from service.
Cylinder failure
This engine suffered over £200,000 worth of damages during the 14 March 2009 Spring Steam Gala Services on the Mid Hants Railway. Whilst on the first Alresford to Alton service of the day, 73096 suffered major damage to its left-hand (driver's-side) cylinder, at Wander's Curve in the Ropley to Medstead section, about ¾ of a mile from Ropley station. It is thought a piston coreplug worked loose thus causing much damage to the cylinder covers, cylinder, piston and piston-rod plus other equipment in the area. There is no evidence that this was caused by priming (water in the cylinders, which can cause similar catastrophic failures) and, currently (March 2009), the crew are absolved of any blame.
No damage was done to the track or signalling but No. 73096 blocked the line for some time. Shuttle services were quickly organised between Alresford and Ropley and between Alton and Medstead, until the line could be cleared. Parts of the steam locomotive's 'motion' (connecting rod, valve gear linkages etc.) on the driver's side had to be removed by MPD staff to allow the locomotive to be moved. As the 5MT was unable to move under its own power, a diesel locomotive was dispatched from Ropley engine shed to retrieve it. The Gala thereafter continued with a revised timetable.
A replacement cylinder casting was required, necessitating a new pattern made. As of the week commencing 9 August 2010, the locomotive was running again, hauling services on the line during the 'Day Out With Thomas' event.[2]
References
See also
External links
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