92219 the penultimate BR steam locomotive: Dismantling starts June 2024.

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, 20 October 2024

Dismantling starts June 2024.

The first thing to be removed was the left hand cylinder front cover. Unfortunately, there aren't any pictures of the removal, but having been on there for many years the studs had to be cut to get it off. Brian weighing up the next job, which was the front valve cover.