Jim – Because one engine just is not enough….

By Peter Jackson

In 2005 work began on an engine to be suitable to pull heavy loaded trains at Swanley. The initial project started as a Tinkerbell. However some management harassment and the Tinkerbell became a Jason? In early 2006 the SNBR management agreed to fund part of the project for what will be the second (or will it be the first) SNBR built steam locomotive.

Jim was thus started in earnest by the SNBR workshop chief. The engine is to be based on Jason from the Moors Valley Railway, and like Prince, most of the castings have been supplied from the MVR. The order for the boiler has also been put into the same manufacturer as Prince, and the belief is delivery will be massively quicker.

As both engines progress (Jim far quicker than Prince – down to the builders time available) it is hoped to see both of what will be “our new ones” in use in the next few years, and if we are lucky 2007!!!.

Jason, one of my favourite MVR engines.

It is hoped that once the two new larger steam engines enter service, a rotation of 3 of the 4 large engines will be in service with 1 of the 4 engines in for an overhaul.

What to do next? Well with the completion of these two large engines, what is known as “Pete’s workshop services” will no doubt want to start on yet another large steam engine, after all 1 is not enough, is 4?

Watch this space for news of an SNBR Garrat in 2010 or maybe something else like my personal favourite Tinkerbell?!?