EX-GWR LOCOMOTIVE No 6695 BACK IN SERVICE ON THE SWANAGE RAILWAY - 11th May 2009

Report from Nigel Clark - dated 12th May 2009
6695 Locomotive Group
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Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 is now back at Swanage after a repairs at the West Somerset Railway. Seen here during the during WSR Steam Gala - Photograph copyright Nigel Clark

Nigel Clark writes:

Swanage Railway supporters will be pleased to learn that ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 is now back in service after repairs at the West Somerset Railway (WSR) where it also starred in their Steam Gala, and a visit to the South Devon Railway's (SDR) Gala.

Please see below for numerous photos taken at the WSR and SDR galas taken by myself and Roger Bray. The photos include scenes at both galas featuring 6695 and other locomotives and rolling stock.

6695 will be in service at Swanage for the immediate future as 34070, 34028 & 30053 are stopped prior to mainline runs to & from the Eastleigh 100 event.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 is now back at Swanage after the South Devon Railway Steam Gala - Photographs copyright Nigel Clark

For much of 2008 loco 6695 had been out of traffic for an extensive axlebox overhaul professionally undertaken by West Somerset Restoration at their Williton workshops. This overhaul included replacement of all coupled wheel crown bearings, alignment of horn faces and replacement of horn liners, general fettling of axleboxes and keeps, attention to radial truck thrust faces, and revised lubrication. (See our 6695 Homepage for full details and photo reports of the work as it progressed here)

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 and crew at the West Somerset Railway Steam Gala - Photographs copyright Roger Bray

The axlebox overhaul and weighing has cost in excess of £60,000 and the Group would welcome contributions towards these costs. Donations or enquiries for shares should be sent to 6695 Locomotive Group, 54 Rempstone Road, Merley, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1RP.

Swanage Railway's 6695 Locomotive Group always welcomes help and support. For further details of how to join us and to see further information on the specification and history of 6695, please visit our dedicated homepage at http://swanagerailway.co.uk/6695/index.htm by clicking here. You will find background information on the locomotive and links to all 6695 news items.

Nigel Clark
6695 Locomotive Group

The following photos at the West Somerset Railway courtesy Roger Bray

The following photos at the West Somerset Railway courtesy Nigel Clark

The following photos at the South Devon Railway courtesy Roger Bray

The following photos at the South Devon Railway courtesy Nigel Clark