GWR TAFFY TANK No. 6695'S BOILER STEAMS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE MID-1960s.

Photo Report from Andrew P.M. Wright - dated 13th April 2005.
Photographs are copyright Andrew P.M. Wright unless otherwise noted
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Swanage Railway volunteers and members of the 6695 Locomotive Group are celebrating after 6695's boiler is successfully steamed for the first time since the mid-1960's.

No 6695's boiler is successfully steamed for the first time since the mid-1960's on 13th April 2005

Andrew P.M. Wright has supplied us with this set of photographs of the historic steaming of GWR Taffy Tank No. 6695's boiler for the first time since the mid-1960s. The event took place on Wednesday 13th April 2005 at Herston Works on the outskirts of Swanage. No. 6695 was rescued from Barry scrapyard and arrived by road at Swanage in 1979.

Pete Pickering (left) assisted by Martin Spong can be seen dealing with minor leaks. Both Pete and Martin are from Southern Locomotives.

Pete Pickering (left) assisted by Martin Spong can be seen dealing with minor leaks. Both Pete and Martin are from Southern Locomotives.

Dave Round of the 6695 Locomotive Group says: "This is extremely good news as following the successful Steam Test, we will be able to reassemble the boiler into the frames very shortly. With some finishing work to do and final painting, 6695 should enter traffic this Summer. Our appeal for the final funding is even more vital now to help enable this to happen".

Steam pressure climbs over 100 lbs per square inch on 13th April 2005.

For the full photo report on the steaming with over forty detailed photos from Andrew P.M. Wright please click here.

Dave adds: "Why not support this exciting venture by making a donation or becoming a shareholder in this locomotive. Easy term payments from as little as £5 a month will give you part ownership of 6695, a full share costing £250".