92219 the penultimate BR steam locomotive

After many years being moved from pillar to post, the long-awaited restoration of the last ‘standard

Scotland was not exactly a stamping ground for Robert Riddles’ superlative ‘9F’ 2-10-0s. Indeed, none of the original 251 locomotives were ever allocated to Scottish sheds and, of those that did run north of the border, such occasional incursions were mostly made by those based out of Carlisle Kingmoor, which only received its first batch of ‘Spaceships’ as late as 1964. So, when No. 92219 – the penultimate ‘9F’ to be built – moved to Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Railway in May 2023, it made a little bit of history in becoming the first of its class to be officially based at a Scottish shed. But, more significantly, the move also heralded the start of its long-awaited restoration from Barry condition, and the beginning of its eventual return to steam after many years waiting in the wings.

Sunday 25 August 2024

Arrival at Boat of Garten and transfer to Aviemore.

92219 arrived at Boat of Garten on the 31st May 2022.

Seen here being unloaded.

It stood in the yard at Boat until the 31st January 2024 when it moved to Aviemore, probably the longest distance on its own wheels since in entered Woodham's scrapyard at Barry.

Being prepared at Boat of Garten for the move.

92219 en-route between Boat of Garten and Aviemore

The weather was really bad.

It was very slow progress

Crossing Dalfaber ABCL on the outskirts of Aviemore

Finally arriving at Aviemore

92219 is now seen standing over the pit on road 2 outside the engine shed at Aviemore, where it will stand awaiting a vacant space inside the shed.

It eventually entered the shed, where it is seen on number 2 road on the 19th of April 2024.