The Trust's largest and heaviest museum exhibit is former SDJR 7F 2-8-0, No. 88, built in 1925. Restored from scrapyard condition between 1969 and 1987, this splendid Somerset locomotive subsequently provided the mainstay of the West Somerset Railway's motive power for nearly nine years. The locomotive was then withdrawn for overhaul, which was completed in late 2005.
No. 88 is now on fully-repairing lease to the West Somerset Railway plc until 30 April 2020. Since her overhaul, the locomotive has run over 22,300 miles.
88 performed without trouble during 2008, and in addition to 7,200 miles in public service on the WSR, also ran 521 miles on the Severn Valley Railway. She was affected by the rail profile problem, which impacted on all the large steam locomotives on the WSR during the year. As a result, during the winter period 2008/9, the engine had her tyre profiles restored over a ground lathe.
FAQ
When was the loco built, by whom, and how much did it cost?
1925 by Robert Stephenson & Co Ltd at a cost of £6,570.
How many owners has the loco had and for approximately how long has each owned the loco?
S & D J R 5 years 1925 -1929
LMS 19 years 1930 - 1948
BR 16 years 1949 - 1964 (condemned 26 February 1964)
H Woodham & Sons 4 years 24 April 1964 - 1969
SDRT 41 years (1969 - present)
When was the boiler fitted?
19 April 1962. Had been in store at Derby, having been taken off 53809 on 29 September 1961. Boiler fitted to 53809 May 1956, made 25 February 1939.
How much did the loco cost in 1969?
£2,500
When did the loco first travel to the WSR?
8 January 1976
Who was contracted to complete the restoration, and when was she first steamed?
The WSR plc, steaming on 15 August 1987.
When did the Hire Agreement with WSR begin, when will it end and what will the loco's condition be at the end?
Began 1 May 1998 ends 30 April 2020. Condition at end as recorded when repair agreement completed.
Does the SDRT have to pay for any repairs during the period of hire to the WSR?
No
Does the WSR have to use the loco each year?
Yes, for a minimum of thirty days per annum except during overhauls.
Must the loco stay on the WSR?
Yes, unless the SDRT grant a licence to permit the loco to be elsewhere for up to sixty days in any one year.
