68030 GALLERY 21st February 2002

The first steaming of the 0-6-0ST, formerly known as "Josiah Wedgwood", took place after overhaul at the London & North Western Railway Company workshops at Crewe. My grateful thanks go to Stephen Latham and Philip Oldfield for their assistance in allowing these photographs to record the event. These workshops are industrial premises and are not open to the public, please do not trespass.

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Austerity 0-6-0ST, formerly "Josiah Wedgwood", blows off as steam pressure is raised during its commissioning process at the LNWR workshops at Crewe on Thursday 21st February 2002. The locomotive has recently undergone a complete overhaul and is shortly to be painted out in BR black livery as 68030 prior to return to the Churnet Valley Railway. Note the extended coal bunker.

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Early morning start as the engine slowly builds up steam pressure. Stephen Latham is checking the water level in the saddle tanks.

The safety valves started to lift.

Hello! Is that a leak?

A small leak on a jointed pipe is quickly rectified by Stephen.

Back in one piece and ready to go - after lunch!

Lunch over and out onto the running line. Debris had found its way into the cylinder drain cocks and needed clearing. Just then down came the rain.

All the parts are reassembled and plenty of steam is used to blast out the crud.

68030 was in good company!

Ready to run again and Roger Spencer gives a few quick turns on the mechanical lubricator to ensure there are no dry bearings.

Away off up the running line.

All the way to the top end and back, continuing the running in process prior to repainting and return to the Churnet Valley Railway.