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BEA No. 2
BEA No. 2 (nicknamed 'Beano') was built in 1959 by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn, being
their works number 7661. It is an 0-4-0 ST with 16 inch cylinders and spent all its working life
at GEGB Hartshead Power Station, Stalybridge. This design of engine was very popular, and large
numbers were built for the electricity board. The old crews report them as being strong, free
steaming and giving a good ride.
At Stalybridge, No. 2 shared the duties with a large fireless locomotive (now in a private
collection). Because the fireless was cheap to run (there was a good supply of steam from the
power station boiler), it was preferred as the working engine, and so No. 2 was used as the
standby, and also whenever the power station boiler was shut down, as there would be no supply of
steam for the fireless. When the power station closed in 1975, No. 2 came to Embsay.
This locomotive has not run on the railway at all, and is waiting for an overhaul which was
considered a few years ago but has not happened. At present it is dismantled and out of view,
although it has been inspected and while it does require an overhaul before it can run again,
there isn't too much wrong with it that can't be sorted. The inspection has revealed that it needs
substantial fabrication work on the cab and running plates, reprofiling of the wheels, a retube
as well as fitting new crownstays (expensive bit) and fitting vacuum brakes. The motion is thought
to be in very good condition, and it is rumoured that the lower half of the loco was overhauled
shortly before it was sold.
The second two photos on this page were taken recently showing the loco before
the return of its cab, and after. The loco's tank is
alongside the shed and has been stripped, wirebrushed and repainted. Presently
the large components are undergoing 'preventative maintenance' with the aid
of paintbrush and paint. A full overhaul could follow.
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