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SR Schools-class No. 928 'Stowe'
Overhaul in the 2020s


Latest News     -     The Maunsell Locomotive Society's page for Stowe     -     Bluebell web page for Stowe     -     Loco Works News
 
Stowe's frames being lifted - photo thanks to MLS
The locomotive's tender received a complete overhaul in advance of the rest of the locomotive some years ago.

Here you see the frames being lifted in the works at Sheffield Park, and the following mechanical work has been completed:

  • The chassis had been dismantled, driving wheel tyres re-profiled, axle boxes re-metalled and machined, bogie checked over and chassis re-wheeled at the end of 2018.
  • A new cab roof skin had been assembled and fitted.
  • New cylinder claddings fabricated and fitted.
  • The brake gear overhauled and re-instated.
  • Numerous cab and boiler fittings have been refurbished.

The boiler has received much work, particularly on its firebox, at a number of contractors over the years, and is now at Leaky Finders works in Devon.

The major outstanding work was the boring of the three cylinders to take new liners, during the course of which it was unfortunately discovered that the left hand cylinder casting has a defect running the length of the main bore and a crack in one of the steam ports, necessitating its replacement.

The Maunsell Locomotive Society's current fundraising is focussed on raising £15,000 for the machining of the replacement left-hand cylinder; the pattern and casting of which are already in hand. Beyond that the major expense remains the completion of the boiler overhaul.

Online payments to the appeal can be made by clicking either of the DONATE buttons here.

Donate Online Donate monthly

For those who prefer to use other methods, please visit this Donations page. Please ensure you add a note to say it is for the Stowe Appeal.

As ever, a warm 'thank you' to all concerned who have generously contributed thus far.

In addition to the news on this page, you can follow progress in detail:

 

Latest News:

Part of the pattern for the new left-hand cylinder. Photo: East Coast Castings
January 2026

In December 2025 East Coast Castings made good progress on the new pattern for the left-hand cylinder casting that is required for Stowe, as shown in the photo on the right.

Photo thanks to East Coast Castings

Although we had the finance in place for the pattern and casting, we still need to conclude fundraising to machine the casting. We need to raise £15,000 and as at the end of December 2025 over £10,000 has been raised. Many thanks to all those who have been so generous with their donations thus far - see the full pdf report (including an update on Q-class 541), here.

January 2026 Report (PDF)

Drawing for the pattern cores for the new left-hand cylinder: East Coast Castings
December 2025

East Coast Castings are producing a pattern for and casting a new left hand cylinder. They have made good progress, as shown by the drawing. We had funds available to enable the order to be placed, but once cast, the cylinder will need machining and we therefore launched an appeal in October to raise £15,000 to cover this cost - see the full pdf report (including an update on Q-class 541), here.

December 2025 Report (PDF)

November 2025

A significant milestone was reached with Stowe last month, when an order was placed for a new left hand side cylinder pattern and casting. You may recall a flaw was discovered in the existing cylinder which could not be repaired and the decision was taken a new cylinder would be required. So, after many months designing and producing the necessary drawings, discussing the pattern making and casting options with companies and, of course, ensuring there are of course, sufficient funds. We're pleased to say an order has been placed. Our thanks must go to Fred Bailey in Atlantic house for his drawing work and liaison with companies, and Simon Blaker in the Loco Works for his advice.

Once the new casting has been received, it will then need to 'sit' for a while before the machining process can start, after which we can look to fit this to the chassis.

With regards to the boiler, we're starting to gather the necessary drawings to make a start on marking out the stay positions across the new platework. The boiler is the most significant part of the locomotive overhaul as the chassis, tender, fittings etc are approximately 90% complete already - see the full pdf report (including an update on Q-class 541), here.

November 2025 Report (PDF)

 
The Maunsell Locomotive Society's page for Stowe     -     Bluebell web page for Stowe     -     Loco Works News
 
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