3217 'Earl of Berkeley'

The overhaul of this fine old engine was completed in 2003.  At Giants of Steam 2006 she was paired with the only other GWR double-framed engine, 'City of Truro'.

Standing by the trees at Sheffield Park, 19.12.93.

Stored in Sheffield Park shed, 23.07.89.

Part way through her current major overhaul, inside the works, 20.07.02.

Inside the workshop, 06.05.02.


Nearing completion inside the locomotive works, 18th April 2003.


Having her boiler filled with water on the same day.


The new smokebox wrapper being bolted in place.


Gauges and controls in place for testing the boiler.


Further additions to the smokebox mock-up, 27th April 2003.


The dome cover and cab parts, 11th May 2003.


Boiler back in the frames and the tender being rubbed down, 16th June 2003.


Earl of Berkeley's nameplate, the first time I saw her in steam after her overhaul on a...


...rain-drenched Remembrance Sunday, November 2003.


Preparing to depart Sheffield Park as the rain hammers down.


Heading her train north to Horsted Keynes.


<>With "Cambrian Coast Express" headboard at the 2003 Branchline Weekend.




Simmering in the winter sun on 1st January 2007...


...at the head of one of the vintage branchline trains...


...which the Bluebell runs each New Year.


The view from the cab on the approach to Kingscote station.  I was lucky enough to get a footplate pass for one trip up the line on this glorious winter day - a fantastic experience I'll never forget!


See also the Bluebell Railway website page for this engine.