5532 leaving Dai Woodham's Scrapyard, Barry, South Wales, in March 1981.

(Photographer Unknown)

The Group bought a range of components over the years. They then helped build and pay for a part of the new engine shed, including an inspection pit. When the shed was ready, the frames were moved in during 1997, and restoration of the frames commenced. Additionally, the group bought connecting and coupling rods, paid for the repair and replacement of springs, contract work on the frames, and turning and reprofiling all the wheels.

As of 2015, almost all of the work has been completed on the rolling chassis, with the bunker and cab sections also fitted. Nearly all of the components have been purchased and are in store, ready to be fitted onto 5532 when the time is appropriate. Work has already begun on dismantling the boiler so that the inner firebox can be properly examined to see if it is reusable, or if a new one will have to be ordered. Meanwhile, a new Door Plate and Smoke Box Tube Plate have been purchased.

On Friday 26th June 2015, group members discussed and agreed plans with Llangollen PLC to build new tanks for 5532 and are being ordered at a cost of £21,500 plus VAT. It is planned to start this in October 2015, with completion by the end of December 2015. This means that the only thing that will be left to finance is the boiler.

5532 undergoing restoration inside Llangollen Workshop, on 31st June 2015.

(Joseph Wellsteed)

Christmas Eve 2015 and a lovely surprise came in the form of the brand new smokebox mounted onto the loco, with the chimney also fitted. It was fantastic to see the amount of work visually completed inin the space of a few months. The Steel plates for the tanks were still to be delivered at this time.