SDSR’s C17 971 passes her trials
(added 18/12/08)

A project commencing in May 2000, finally ended with success for SDSR’s C17 971.

Work commenced on the stripping of the locomotive for complete overhaul and restoration in July 2000. For the next 3 years, the process of disassembing the locomotive was undertaken. The arrive of the new boiler in July 2004, signified the beginning of reconstruction of the locomotive, a process that ended in July 2007.

Train R631 has just passed Mill Hill on it's way to Hendon for the first time.

At the end of 2007, SDSR won the ATHRA Award for Locomotive Restoration in recognition of the excellence of work put into the restoration of C17 971.

The last 12 months had been working feverishly to complete any modifications to ensure that the locomotive was ready for mainline work.

SDSR had showcased the locomotive at several Open Days, before finally going out the gate onto the mainline on December 13th, 2008.

The day was set up to allow Steam locomotive testing in the Warwick Yard, followed by a short run to Morgan Park. C17 971 performed so well, that we ran ahead of schedule all morning. When asking the crew how the locomotive was running, the driver stated “she’s running like a sewing machine.”

After lunch, the next step was to test the two restored passenger carriages. Once again, fast work was made of the testing in the yard, with everything passing with flying colours. So we came to our final test for the day, Our first train out of Warwick.

C17 971 led the two coaches tender first from Warwick to Toolburra, returning with light rain in the afternoon. Sitting at the Warwick station platform was an experience, waiting for our train to return, and finally hearing her come back into Warwick, whistling at several road crossings before re-entering Warwick Station Yard.

And how did she run? The train crew didn’t have to say anything, it was beaming smiles all around!

C17 971 leads the first train through Warwick.

C17 971 returns from Morgan Park on it's trial runs.

C17 971 passes Deuchar on the approach to the Hendon Bank.

C17 971 working hard after crossing the Glengallen Creek.

(all photo's this page courtesy of M.Cole)

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