Many of you may have seen news pieces in the railway press recently regarding our negotiations to secure the future of our 7F 53808. I did allude in my message a few weeks ago that we were coming towards a final agreement and I am pleased to say that a settlement has been signed now which not only releases the S&DRT from all previous agreements with the West Somerset Railway as to the maintenance and overhaul of 53808, but also firmly establishes a payment plan to reimburse us for past financial commitments totalling £210,000. This will be repaid to us over a five-year period.
This settlement paves the way now for us to begin the process of overhaul which will likely begin in March 2025 with the tender going into the works at Ropley for stripping down and major repairs. That will be closely followed by the lifting of the boiler from the main frames for assessment, to be followed with plans for its repair.
It is the beginning of an exciting period for the Trust and we sincerely hope that members will continue to support the Trust over the coming months so that we can complete 53808’s overhaul on a good timescale so that we can see and enjoy the locomotive once more.
Very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year from all the trustees.
Roger Hardingham
Chairman
Note: the hire agreement for 53808 with the WSR was suspended in 2020 with 53808 moving to the Watercress Line in that August and operating for the next three years from Ropley on a steaming fee basis. Those fees are also available for the overhaul work.