For 427, 2003 was a case of 'no news is good news', yet again. Hence no entry here since 2002!

However, with options developing for our 'pride and joys' (063 & 065) as well as other issues, the SELG Committee took the decision in the Autumn of 2003 to part with the loco and concentrate our efforts on the two Cromptons, always conscious of one of the SELG's main aims - to own and operate a Class 33 (or Class 33's, as fate would have it).

427 was offered for sale with its associated spare parts which has now been successfully completed.

There were several interested parties in the loco and it came down to three serious bidders. We decided the best and fairest action was to inform all those interested of a starting price and invited them to send in sealed tenders!

It transpired the successful tender submitted was a member of our Supporters Group & the East Kent Railway. The new owner is planning some serious maintenance which is now due and we wish him every success with his ownership and hope he has as much enjoyment from the loco as we have had in the past. At the request of the new owner, the SELG will continue to play an administrative role and deal with the paperwork!

Otherwise, the loco has performed very well again as the mainstay of the EKR for its passenger services which, on the whole, has prevented our planned maintenance programme. The loco was put on stop at the end of October after the Hallowe'en trains, to start some of the jobs needed to be done. Unfortunately, this was not achieved after we had done preliminary sampling etc.. The railway requested further use for the arrival and stabling of their DMMU and to cover as back-up to 33065 for the Santa's due to unavailabilty of the DMMU for Santa services.

It is hoped the DMMU is a success for the EKR so as to allow the loco owner some breathing space to complete some serious maintenance.

427 has performed without major fault for some considerable time. For the last couple of seasons she has been one of the dependable performers, assisting on the top'n tailed passenger service. Effectively, there has been nothing to report. No news is good news, in this case.

Typically, 427 ran faultlessly throughout the Spring and Summer this year at the East Kent Railway and continues to be our leading source of revenue! However, it has recently suffered a sheared bolt on the drive to the fan and is currently out of traffic awaiting parts for repair. 33 063 is currently covering its duties at the Railway.

By the way, it's coming up for that time when it will due for a new set of brake blocks. Not something that can be purchased from your local Motor Factors. They're also many, many times more expensive that brake consumables fitted to the average family saloon. Any willing sponsors?

By the 10th/11th of July, 427 had received its new head gasket, stripped components reinstated and successfully restarted. Much credit is due to the Paxman engineer for such a quick turn around. 427 was able to take part in the Gala weekend 5/16 July as planned.

After the Gala, it received a second coat of green paint, now looking even smarter than before.

Early in June, 427 was found to have contaminated her oil with coolant (water & antifreeze). Acquiring the substantial help of a specialist from Paxman, the water pump and cylinder liners were eliminated as the source of the problem with the fault eventually diagnosed as a split head gasket having failed due to its sheer age. The 4mm rupture was enough to allow significant volumes of coolant to seep into the oil during cooling of the power unit after shut-down. Rectification work was still proceeding at the time of writing but 427 is expected back into traffic at the E.K.R. Gala on 15th/16th July, barring any further technical problems.

Successful second naming on 25th March 2000; 427 now also carries the name '9th Field Squadron Royal Engineers'.

The 0-6-0 shunter has undergone its promised repaint back into green. By all accounts it's a superb job, too. The locomotive is set to look its best for the naming ceremony at Shepherdswell on 25th March 2000 when 427 will be adorned with the name 'The Royal Engineers'. This will be, we believe, the first shunting locomotive in preservation to carry two names. Pictures will be added as soon as they are available.

When operating on the Santa Specials last December, 427 suffered damage to her starter motor, necessitating specialist attention by Lucas. 427 was out of service for the duration until the motor was refitted on Sunday 27th February complete with a totally new electrical isolator switch to reduce the chance of a re-occurence of the problem. 427 was successfully restarted for the first time in about 10 weeks and taken for a test run. All was well.

Also on the 27th February, members began rubbing down paintwork in preperation for a repaint back into green.

Seen departing Shepherdswell on the occasion when 427 first took the 2EPB unit, 5759 for a spin when operating the 'Teddybear Picnic' trains, 28th May 2000. The yellow shunting locomotive on the right is 'Richborough Castle', available as 'stand-by'. (photo - A.French)

February 1999: Pictured above, in its 'pre-black', green livery and only having just received freshly painted 'wasp' ends, works plate and crests, the ex-Army 0-6-0 crosses the road at the extreme North end of the Shepherdswell site, East Kent Railway. The diminutive locomotive has proved to be most useful and is regarded as an excellent asset to the Group. The experience of owning and operating 427 has proved of great value before the arrival in March of 33063 & 33065. (photo- B.Thomas - February 1999)