M2 Moves!

M2 is one of ten 3'6" (cape or colonial) gauge M class 4-6-2 steam locos built by RSH in Darlington in 1951 for export to Tasmania, where they were used on various routes of the Tasmanian Government Railways (TGR).   The entire class was shipped as a batch from Middlesbrough in 1952.   M2 was delivered as number M10, works no.7430.   Unusually, all ten of the class are preserved, some in operation.   M2 was plinthed on the coast at Stanley before being reimported from Tasmania to Tanfield in summer 1992.

Richard hammering off the last brake block preventing M2 from moving on its wheels
(photo courtesy of Ian Cowan)

Ian pushing M2 with the digger blade
(watch a 15 second video of M2 in motion)

Today was the first time M2 has moved on its wheels in over 50 years, and over 70 years since its wheels turned in the UK - an excellent advert for roller bearings!   The next move for M2 will be away from the new shed development area to a temporary space on site.

For more info about the loco on this blog, simply search for M2.   

In particular, see: 

>> Waggonway booklet no.22 Summer 1985 published 2 April 2021 

>> RSH booklet published 19 September 2022

On the wider web, google  TGR M class  for info & photos of the class & the other locos.