1589 "Newstead"

We certainly know that at least one of the works plates had vanished by the time it was saved from scrap (the one that turned up at auction earlier in the year and has also been reunited with the loco). The nameplates vanished during its working life and we had presumed them scrapped/damaged at some point - it seemed many colliery engines has the cast plates replaced with handmade ones at some point in their lives so we never thought they would turn up. The fact that on this occasion the auction house had the awareness to get in touch when they turned up was a welcome surprise.

In general loco updates - the boiler has recently been tested up to 90psi (first time it's done this since the 1990s!) New tubeplate was fitted and the usual stay replacements. Current estimates have it due back in the early part of 2025. As it stands the rolling chassis is almost ready to receive it; some final minor jobs to do for the valve gear and (more) painting on the cladding/bodywork, but subject to the usual caveats I personally foresee it's public preservation debut taking place some time in mid 2025.