Duke of Gloucester 3 August 2005 This trip from London to Weymouth via Bournemouth was unfortunately marked by a failure in traffic of 71000 Duke of Gloucester. The problem was traced, on arrival at Yeovil Railway Centre to a blown plug on the front left cylinder.

47712 double headed the excursion from Totton to Weymouth and subsequently brought the steam engine and support coach to Yeovil (as per original plan)

After detaching, the Brush ran round using Yeovil Railway Centre metals, passing 50050 'Fearless'.

Dragging Duke of Gloucester into the sidings....

....and then propelling the steam engine and support coach onto site....

and onto the inspection pit.

An unusual visitor on site.

The Class 47, support coach and steam engine are alongside the 1864 built Transfer Shed.

After pulling the support coach clear of the board crossing, the Class 47 left Yeovil to haul the return excursion back to London from Weymouth.

The problem is in here somewhere. The cover over the cylinder is removed.

The blown plug necessitated the threads being re-cut. The cutter is seen in position. After this was completed the new plug was fitted and steam tested.

A view of the engine, basking in the early evening sunshine.

General tightening up and oiling.

The engine was then able to be moved onto the Yeovil Railway Centre turntable.

The front cover is still to be replaced. A crew has to be found to enable the engine to return to its temporary base at Mid-Hants Railway.

Inside of the cab of 71000 whilst at Yeovil Pen Mill station (photo courtesy Richard Abbott)

(photo courtesy Richard Abbott)

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