We reached a new milestone with our Black 5 this week. After an initial issue with one of the two safety valves and a quick bit of filing, the loco passed with flying colours. She has one or two minor bits of work to be completed in the workshop and then she is ready for the park. 

Two injectors , one electric pump(instead of hand pump) were all tested. The loco also has an axle pump but was not tested during the stationary test.

We also received the two name plates for the running boards, see pictures attached. Covenanter will have these plates fitted in the next week or so , Mike has them home to paint and prepare them. The smoke box door number also arrived and you can also see the number on the cab side. 

5 for the month of May and 2026 for the year (52026), similar to Margaret’s 1949 on her cab.

Running in will take place over the summer before she can pull any passengers. All steam drivers will need  to be trained on this locomotive, more complex than both Margaret or Eva. 

Thank you ALL.