Following on from the successful steam testing of 1918 built Andrew Barclay 'Bahan' Class' 0-6-0 T 'AJAX (Works No.1605, IWSR No.W38) 'Ajax' in December 2003, work has continued towards the goal of commissioning the locomotive into passenger service on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway during 2004

Much of the original superstructure of the locomotive, including the side tanks, cab and bunker were so severely corroded as to be beyond repair and have been replaced with new material fabricated in the Havenstreet Mechanical Engineering Workshop. A major step forward in the assembly process was taken on 1st April 2004 when the components were craned into place on the locomotive's frames.

'Ajax' in the Mechanical Engineering Workshop at Havenstreet on Sunday, 28th March 2004.

The boiler itself was repaired under contract at the Tenby, South Wales, works of Bartlett Engineering in 2002. The work carried out included the fitting of a new steel inner firebox, manufactured for the locomotive some years ago, fitting of a new front tube plate, fitting of a new smokebox, re-tubing of the boiler and having patches inserted in the lower half of the outer firebox. A successful hydraulic test was carried out on the boiler before it returned to the Island in October 2002 and a steam test successfully passed on 1st December 2003. To view a report of the test steaming click HERE.

1st April 2004 with the Side Tanks in place.

There is still much work and testing to be undertaken by the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, led by Chief Mechanical Engineer Len Pullinger, before the locomotive will be able to enter traffic. Still to be completed is the installation of the majority of cab fittings and pipework, the fitting of the Westinghouse Automatic Air Brake system with its distinctive steam powered air compressor and final painting in a black livery.

Later on the same day with the cab and name plates fitted.

Built to the order of the Sulphide Corporation of London in 1918, 'Ajax' was requisitioned on completion by the Ministry of Munitions and sent to Persia where she remained for many years, latterly in the service of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. It is uncertain exactly when 'Ajax' returned to the UK but she was recorded as working at Llandarcy Refinery, near Swansea and later at the Stanton Iron Works in Sheffield. She finished her industrial service at Harlaxton Ironstone Quarries, near Grantham, being withdrawn in 1968. 'Ajax' was purchased by Mr Henry Frampton-Jones who placed her on loan to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in 1972. No major restoration work was carried out for over twenty years but, following agreement regarding her future use, repairs are now almost complete.

For more information on the work of the IWSR Mechanical Engineering Department visit the latest edition of the On-line Newsletter Mechanical Times.