13 Sep 2006 - George returns
George, the DLR's Atlantic 4-4-2, returned to the DLR three days prior to the railway's 80th Anniversary. The locomotive trials were carried out throughout the day by the restorer David Black of Arthogsteam, proving very successful.
The Locomotive will officially return to service on the DLR on Saturday the 16th September 2006.
History
George first arrived at the DLR in 1941, to work along side Tubby (then in service). The engine worked in tandem with Tubby up to the 1970s. Eventually with the arrival of Brock in the 1970s, George suffered many technical problems and had limited utilisation. In 1984, the engine was withdrawn from service. With problems arising with Tubby, the DLR Trust decided to commission a new locomotive incorporating much of the locomotive. George now unusable was sold to finance Tubby 2 (later renamed James Boyd). George left the DLR and sat on display in the Boy's Hall of the Downs School, where it remained up to 2003. The engine changed ownership, and was sent off to be restored into full working order. After three years, the engine has received a new boiler, tender, and an extensive overhaul of the chassis and valve gear.
George first arrived at the DLR in 1941, to work along side Tubby (then in service). The engine worked in tandem with Tubby up to the 1970s. Eventually with the arrival of Brock in the 1970s, George suffered many technical problems and had limited utilisation. In 1984, the engine was withdrawn from service. With problems arising with Tubby, the DLR Trust decided to commission a new locomotive incorporating much of the locomotive. George now unusable was sold to finance Tubby 2 (later renamed James Boyd). George left the DLR and sat on display in the Boy's Hall of the Downs School, where it remained up to 2003. The engine changed ownership, and was sent off to be restored into full working order. After three years, the engine has received a new boiler, tender, and an extensive overhaul of the chassis and valve gear.