In 1995, a future Southern Locomotives shareholder, Norman Taylor, purchased her and it was transferred to the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley. Unfortunately, hoped for help was not forthcoming and Norman exchanged it for shares in 1998, at the same time as putting up 50% of the funding to purchase Sidmouth. The Austerity was subsequently transferred to Sellindge, especially as the splendid external condition of the boiler gave a false impression of condition, and it was hoped that the minimal facilities available would be sufficient to overhaul the locomotive.
No. 27, soon after arrival at Sellindge
Unfortunately on dismantling it was discovered that just about every conceivable part was broken, bent or life expired, and she had obviously been derailed at some point. The cylinder block was the major concern and should really have been replaced, but we didn’t have the funds to do so. It has therefore been expertly repaired and is now ready for use.
The frames were rewheeled in November 2006 and the boiler will be made ready for re-instatement having had a new tubeplate fitted. The tubes have been ordered and will be fitted during the Winter of 2006/7. A new smokebox was rolled and this also is ready for reinstatement.
The boiler, under repair at Herston Works
The small team at Sellindge have to be congratulated on their persistence with this locomotive which has proved to be an extremely difficult restoration.
The nicely restored slidebars and frames.
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