N7 back in traffic-'plinthing' in pre-Grouping livery awaits

摘要

The sole-surviving Holden N7, No. 69621, has passed a boiler examination that will allow it to steam until the end of April. This gives the ex-LNER locomotive a short-term lease of life, but beyond that its operational future remains in doubt. An administrative error hid the reality that the Stratford-built engine's boiler certificate didn't run out in July - as was assumed by its owner, the East Anglian Railway Museum - and that it was valid until next year, as exclusively revealed in our August issue. The N7 was revived at Cheddleton on the Churnet Valley Railway (its current residency) in late September after work to replace the main steam pipe, superheater elements and what the EARM describes as a "long list of minor defects". EARM trustee Ian Reed told The RM that the museum would hold a farewell party for No. 69621 at the CVR immediately ahead of its withdrawal "as it is likely to be some years before it might return to service".