The Swanage Railway has posted on their Facebook page an update on the overhaul work carried on Southern Railway (SR) U Class ‘Mogul’ 31806.

To return Mogul No.31806 to traffic sooner, the decision has been made to use the recently overhauled boiler of SR N Class No.31874 with 31806.

All going to plan; we should hopefully see 31806 back in service later this year.

31806 Under Overhaul // Credit Adam Woodman

January 2021 saw preparation work for the boiler swap take place, with fittings removed. The lift out of the old boiler and fitting of the new boiler took place in February 2021 at Norden.

The long task of rebuilding 31806 is now underway, with every removed part making its way back to its spot on the locomotive.

For more information or to support the Swanage Moguls Fund with the overhauls of 31806 and 31874, please visit their website here.