18/11/2009
Goliath Steam Locomotive Roars Back to Life
The hallowed halls of railway heritage are abuzz with exciting news as the magnificent 5239 Goliath, a venerable Great Western Railway (GWR) tank locomotive, has officially returned to steam. After a meticulous and extensive overhaul, this iconic machine has completed its two-year restoration journey at the East Somerset Railway, marking a significant milestone for steam enthusiasts and railway preservationists alike. The recent successful trial run, which saw Goliath undertake a few miles around the shed, has confirmed its readiness, with only minor finishing touches remaining.
A Storied Past: From Swindon to Scrap and Back
Built in 1924 at the renowned Swindon Works, 5239 Goliath boasts a distinctive raised frame over its cylinders, a testament to GWR's engineering prowess of the era. Its entire working life was spent based at Neath, diligently serving until its withdrawal in 1963. Following its operational career, Goliath was sent to the Barry scrapyard, a place where many locomotives met their end. However, for Goliath, this was not the final chapter. In 1973, it was purchased by the Dart Valley Railway and arrived at Newton Abbot, where the initial stages of its restoration began. The journey continued to Paignton in June 1976, where 5239 was first returned to steam, much to the delight of the railway community.
Recent Overhaul and Return to Steam
Goliath, affectionately known by its name, was taken out of service on the Dartmouth Steam Railway at the close of the 2015 season and subsequently stored at Churston works. The call for a comprehensive restoration led to its relocation to the East Somerset Railway in October 2017, where a contract overhaul commenced. By early 2018, the locomotive had been completely dismantled, its frames meticulously shotblasted, and its boiler sent to the workshop for essential attention. The progress was steady, and by October 2018, a significant milestone was reached as the locomotive was re-wheeled at the East Somerset Railway. Expectations were high, with the overhaul on schedule for completion by late 2019, aiming for the locomotive to be back in traffic in 2020.
The restoration efforts continued with great promise. In June 2019, the East Somerset Railway proudly announced that the boiler had successfully passed its hydraulic examination, and a fire was lit within the locomotive, signalling the commencement of crucial steam testing. The following month saw the boiler being expertly lifted back onto the frames, a pivotal moment in the restoration process. The culmination of this extensive work saw the locomotive returned to the Dartmouth Steam Railway in April 2020, ready to once again grace the heritage lines.
The Finishing Touches: A Coat of Green and Signwriting
The return to steam is not just about mechanical readiness; it's also about bringing the locomotive back to its former glory aesthetically. With the invaluable assistance of the carriage shed painters, the final top coat of striking green paint has been expertly applied to 5239 Goliath. Local talent, Richard, has been instrumental in this phase, showcasing his signwriting skills by meticulously finishing the bufferbeam numbers. His next task, and a highly anticipated one, is to paint the iconic "GREAT WESTERN" lettering along the tanks, completing the authentic GWR livery.
A Look at Goliath's Timeline
To better understand the journey of 5239 Goliath, here's a brief overview of its recent history:
| Year | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1924 | Built at Swindon Works | Swindon |
| 1963 | Withdrawn from service | Neath |
| 1973 | Purchased by Dart Valley Railway, arrived at Newton Abbot | Barry Scrapyard to Newton Abbot |
| 1976 | Returned to steam | Paignton |
| 2015 | Taken out of service | Churston, Dartmouth Steam Railway |
| 2017 | Moved to East Somerset Railway for overhaul | Churston to East Somerset Railway |
| 2019 | Boiler passed hydraulic exam, fire lit for steam testing | East Somerset Railway |
| 2020 | Returned to Dartmouth Steam Railway | East Somerset Railway to Dartmouth Steam Railway |
| Present | Returned to steam, final finishing touches | East Somerset Railway |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the 5239 Goliath now fully operational?
Yes, the locomotive has successfully returned to steam following its overhaul and has completed initial trial runs. While there are a few minor jobs to finish, it is considered operational.
Q2: Where was 5239 Goliath overhauled?
The overhaul was carried out at the East Somerset Railway.
Q3: When was 5239 Goliath built?
It was built in 1924 at Swindon Works.
Q4: What is the current status of 5239 Goliath?
Its current status is operational, with the Dartmouth Steam Railway listed as its owner.
Q5: What are the next steps for 5239 Goliath?
The remaining tasks include applying the final coat of paint and completing the signwriting, including the "GREAT WESTERN" lettering.
Where to Find More Information
For those eager to follow the ongoing journey of 5239 Goliath and other railway news, the following resources are invaluable:
- News Homepage: Stay updated with the latest railway news.
- RailAdvent Online Shop: Purchase framed prints, DVDs/Blu-rays, and more to support heritage railways.
- LocoStop Community: Share your railway pictures and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
- East Somerset Railway: Visit their official website for specific information about their operations and restoration projects.
- Mainline Steam Info: Get details on upcoming mainline steam tours and locomotive movements.
The return of 5239 Goliath to steam is a heartening reminder of the dedication and passion involved in preserving our rich railway heritage. Its powerful presence on the tracks is eagerly anticipated, promising many more years of service and enjoyment for generations to come.
If you want to read more articles similar to Goliath Steam Locomotive Roars Back to Life, you can visit the Automotive category.