The South Devon Railway has been successful in its bid to purchase former GWR locomotives more suited to a quiet branch line but capable of handling the larger trains of a successful preserved railway with the recent acquisition of 0-6-0PT 6412.

6412 is one of the 64xx class of locomotives purchased directly from British Railways by the Dart Valley Railway in 1962 so it never went to near a scrap yard!

Above are a collection of pictures shewing the extent of the boiler works that are required to return this engine to steam.

Update 04th July 2009

The replacement backhead has arrived in Devon along with the blank side side wrappers.

Update 04th October 2010

With the completion of the purchase of RK Pridham Engineering, the transfer to Buckfastleigh of all the machinery, equipment and the skilled staff, the first job allocated to the new team is to make a start on the overhaul of the boiler for 6412, pending the completion of the new boiler works.
The boiler had been stripped for inspection and it was known to be in need of major plate replacement so what better challenge for the boys from Pridham’s!
The pictures show two of the new outer firebox plates already bolted in place - rivetting comes later. On the ground is the new pressing for the backhead, which had already been formed at the Pridham’s Tavistock works.

Update 20th October 2011

6412’s chassis has received extensive repairs including a new axlebox horn and the wheels have been retyred.  In October 2011 the chassis was rewheeled so it could be moved to make way for a comprehensive winter works programme that will see the overhaul of 5542 and 5786.

Update 11th November 2013

Work continues on GWR 0-6-0PT 6412.  The photographs above taken from opposite ends: Ray Taylor tests the reverser (top) from behind the newly-fitted spectacle plate, while Dave Cooper works on the motion.

Update 19th February 2014

During the works on 6412’s boiler it has been found that the front portion of the barrel and front tubeplate are worn out so both are to be replaced. The final outcome will be that although the locomotive will be back in traffic a little later than initially hoped the life of the boiler should be very much greater than if this work had not been undertaken. The photos show the boiler barrel minus tubeplate and smokebox, and the new tubeplate ready to go in.
Due to the Great Western Railway’s policy of standardisation the front tube plate is the same for other boilers so SDRE have been able to use one they had in stock.  The smokebox is also in stock ready for the new barrel which is due in Devon in the next few weeks.

Update 19th February 2014