Steaming ahead with plans to overhaul a historic engine

And they followed the route of a much-loved old rail line to find the firm that will do the work.

Project 62 is a restoration campaign focusing on two US Army Transportation Corps- designed steam locos, 30075 and 30076, which are based at the North Dorset Railway Trust at Shillingstone Station.

Shillingstone, on the route of the former Somerset & Dorset Railway from Bournemouth to Bath, survived until 1966 when the line fell victim to the Beeching cuts.

A group of volunteers are working to create a heritage railway at the site.

Meanwhile, members of Project 62 have reached agreement for the boiler of 30075 to be taken from Shillingstone northwards, following what was the route of the former S&D, to Henstridge, Somerset for overhaul.

It will be carried out by Vincent Engineering, based near Henstridge Airfield.

The group says owner Richard Vincent is well respected primarily in the area of traction engines but has also supplied boiler fittings for steam locomotives.

Project 62 spokesman Bob Bunyar said: "The boiler from 30075will require being re-tubed and tested while other work will concentrate on replacing ‘wasted’ platework in the firebox area.

"It is anticipated that the boiler will be taken to Henstridge in January."

He added: "An assessment of the work required was carried out at Shillingstone on the Yugoslavian-built locomotive which was constructed to a design first introduced in World War Two by the US Army Transportation Corps. Members of this type of locomotive survived working on British Railways until 1967 and became affectionately known as ‘Yankee Tanks’."

Whilst the boiler is away, volunteers will be working on the lower half of the loco together with restoring and painting parts and fittings. It is hoped to return 30075 to operational condition by the end of 2019.

Half of the £50,000 needed to fund the overhaul has been raised and people are being invited to contribute to help return it to steam.

Any donations received, large or small, are currently being match funded by a heritage sponsor and can be sent to Project 62 (cheques payable "Project 62") c/o 26, Calder Road, Poole, Dorset BH17 8PG.

Earlier this year ‘The 62 Appeal’ was launched to assist with fundraising and full details can be found at www.project62.co.uk

New volunteers are also welcome.