File:SE&CR Wainwright P-class, No.323 "Bluebell" - 36242825463.jpg

English: SE&CR Wainwright P-class, No.323 "Bluebell"

Class: P Wheels: 0-6-0T Built: 1910 Numbers carried: 323, A323, 1323, 31323 Last major overhaul completed: March 2011

This photo was taken at Sheffield park on a wet dull September day but in retrospect i think it is good conditions to collect images. The locomotives look more shiny and there are less glare problems to deal with and often some added reflections in puddles - plus there are less people around to get in the way of your shot...

Long the flagship of the Bluebell's fleet, painted blue and named "Bluebell"

The P-class tank locomotives were, in design terms, an updated copy of the LBSCR Terriers, but, with only eight of them built, made rather less of a name for themselves. However, with four of the eight surviving into preservation, they have blossomed, and are now much more favourably regarded as highly capable little locomotives. Their greater water capacity and larger cabs give them a slight advantage over the considerably older Terriers.

An appeal to raise the funds for the overhaul was started towards the end of 2003. The locomotive was partially dismantled, but the overhaul was suspended whilst the workshops concentrated on larger locomotives. Then in September 2009 the loco entered the works and was lifted from its wheels, signifying the re-starting of its overhaul, with the aim of completing to overhaul for the 50th anniversary celebrations in August 2010. This was thwarted by the discovery of the need for additional boiler repairs, and after this additional work, the loco returned to service just in time to put in an appearance at the Branch Line weekend in March 2011.