THE original Dorman 4JO four-cylinder petrol engine in Greensand Railway Museum Trust’s (GRMT) 40hp petrol ‘Armoured’ Simplex LR2182 (MR 461/1917) was started for the first time in more than half a century on May 27.

The engine was seized after decades out of use (RM March 2017) and when stripped found to have suffered significant damage. Repairs have included production of new pistons, valves and guides and stitch welding to the cylinder block, crankcase and manifold.

The engine was reassembled by volunteer Peter Thorne, and after fitting in the loco’s restored chassis at Leighton Buzzard Railway’s Stonehenge Works ran at the first push-start attempt.

Remaining work primarily involves reassembly of surviving bodywork and replication of the distinctive cupola roof and doors, expected to be undertaken by a contractor later this year.

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