2006 News

April 2006

20188 made its first public runs on the Swanage Railway during the members weekend in March and then took part in the Branchline Weekend along with 33012 on April 1/2.
The 2005/6 maintenance reports for work on 33012 are now on-line here
Addtional photos of 20188 27007 33012 added

December 2005

33012 operated successfully along with 33108 over the weekend of 24 & 25 November which on the Sunday saw both locomotives work in multiple for the first time in preservation. New photos added to the 33012 photo page

20188 has been started after engine repairs at Norden - thanks to Shackerstone Diesels for their assistance in the completion of the engine rebuild. Photos here and here. D8188 is now having attention to an electrical fault and will enter service early in 2006.

Work continues on 27007 at Ropley. New photos added to the locos photo page

June 2005

33012 has seen regular use so far this year despite the arrival of classmate 33108 with which it now shares duties. One of the locos will be working the July Fireworks Specials. Recently added photos here

Work at Ropley on 27007 is continuing with the engine work now almost complete. It is hoped to be able to start the engine later this year. Recently added photos here

March 2005

33012 has successfully operated at the Swanage Railway members weekend working without problems. The loco will see extensive use in the coming months with various events and charters in the pipeline. More dates have now been added to the events page. A maintenance update on the loco is here

Work to rebuild 27007's power unit at Ropley is continuing and the engine has been filled with water and found to be watertight. Coolant pipework and rocker gear has been re-assembled along with the big end shells. The newly manufactured gaskets and seals have now arrived to enable completion of the engine work.

More images added to the 33012 and 27007 photo pages

If you have any photos of the locos in our care you would like to see featured on this website please email them to

February 2005

The 13th saw the final cylinder installed into 27007 at Ropley. Photos here here here and here. Attention has also been given to the support coach at Ropley which has been repainted BR blue as the all over yellow was starting to look a bit shabby. Photos here and here
Pipework has started to be reassembled onto the power unit with cleaning and painting of the engine room continuing. The radiator grille area has also been attended to on one side and measurements have been taken to repair the exhaust area of the main roof section

Photos added to 33012's page
 

January 2005

There are working parties for planned maintenance of 33012 at Swanage over the weekends of 22/23 & 29/30 of this month. Please contact James Cox if you wish to attend.

© 2005 71A Locomotive Group