Since the last update in February 2006, progress has been very stop/start for numerous reasons. In mid 2006 D9531 was moved down to the Baron Street Loco Works for the main brake shaft to be refitted. This was duly achieved and made ready for the return of the brake rigging itself. Working parties were organised but Bill Beveridge did not show up with the Brake rigging however, the working party took the opportunity to refit the side rods instead.

Promises were made and made by Bill that the rigging wouldn't be far off so D9531 remained the works awaiting the return of the refurbished parts. The paid ELR fitters completed some other outstanding work whilst there, notably fitting the 4 lifeguards. As time rolled on D9531 became somewhat forgotten down at Baron Street and other work on other locos took over.

So D9531 sat and sat in the works and sadly promises of returned rigging came and went with no result. In autumn 2007 D9531 was extracted from the works and returned to castlecroft. Once 'home', Carl Holt overhauled 2 exhausters, refitting them and completing the vac brake system by summer 2008. During this period promises of the return of the elusive brake rigging by Bill kept on coming .. and going. In the end it was decided to visit Bill and recover the rigging.

Work on reaming the bushes out had been completed, but none of the new brake pins had been made. Foolishly I arranged with Bill for the pins to be done ASAP and that was the last time we had contact with him. Autumn 2008 saw more posiyive progress with new power unit lifted into D9531 and work on the various connections undertaken. B end framework and roof over the transmission was also rebuilt. Winter progress was slow with other commitments, both on and off the railway, taking priority although side doors and various panels were refitted.

D9531 sat in Castlecroft throughout all of 2009 with no signs of progress, and again became a forgotten loco, with everyone becoming involved in other projects and outside interests took precedence. Happily late 2009 saw renewed interest in the project and an agreement was reached to return D9531 to the loco works to complete its restoration by ELRDG & C15PS members. Work began to progress and the water system was partially connected up, a fresh contractor was brought in to make the brake pins and missing parts for the brake rigging and additionally to design a support cradle for the new main air tanks that will sit above the transmission.

On 2nd January 2010, D9531 was shunted from castlecroft back into the loco works. Due to personal circumstances, my involvement has had to be slighly delayed, but late January saw a small team back working on the loco, concentrating on completing the power unit system connections. I'm delighted to say the brake pins are now on site and another working party will be held late February to finally refit the brake rigging which Bill Beveridge had been commissioned to overhaul 4 years ago, which ultimately delayed the project by 3 years and took the steam and interest straight out of it. Thanks Bill!

I suppose this write up is in a way of an apology to the loco owners, ELR, and the team involved in its restoration, to explain why the project has been hit & miss, and rectify this, they say you learn from your mistakes, I have learned a hell of a lot on how not to run a project with D9531. This year I would like to rectify the situation. Onwards and upwards as they say, don't dwell etc. 2010 will be the year for D9531, my aim is to have it back in traffic for the October ELR Diesel Gala, disasters and acts of God withstanding of course. Progress reports will be posted here each time there is a working party and also when working parties will be taking place if you wish to get involved.

Many thanks for reading

Chris Baily
D9531 Project Leader