29/08/24 Society News:
The societies AGM will be on Saturday 26th October at 1300 - all members are welcome. The venue is the The Meeting Room @Tate Towers, Baron Street Locomotive Works, Bury. BL9 0TY. Download info and agenda here

12/08/24 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

19/06/24 Sales News:
The society is making available once again the Microsoft TrainSim add-on packs that were first produced by society members in 2005. As then all proceeds will go towards the restoration of D8233. Click here for more info

17/04/24 Restoration News:
An update for D5705 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

02/04/24 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

04/09/23 Society News:
The societies AGM will be on Saturday 21st October at 1300. The venue is the The Meeting Room @Tate Towers, Baron Street Locomotive Works, Bury. BL9 0TY (What3words: human.shirt.twin)

10 minute walk from the Bolton Street Station (ELR) or 7 min walk from the Metrolink. Car parking is available on site. Upon arrival, the main gate will be locked but one of the team will be on hand to allow you access. A buffet will be provided for our attendees. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available.

09/05/23 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

10/04/23 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

19/02/23 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

27/10/22 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

09/10/22 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

10/9/22 Society News:
The societies AGM will be on Saturday 8th October at 1300. The venue is the White Lion Hotel, Bolton Street, Bury. All members are welcome and tea and Sanwiches will be provided.

25/07/22 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

09/07/22 Restoration News:
We have taken delivery of newly machined traction motor links and lateral brackets - details here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

13/06/22 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. A short film of the work is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

31/12/21 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

06/11/21 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

10/10/21 Society News:
The societies AGM will be on Saturday 6th November at 1300. The venue is the Bury Transport Museum, Castlecroft Goods Warehouse, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EY.

We would like to welcome our members back to a physical AGM meeting and now that the Covid-19 pandemic is receding, we can look forward to returning to a normal service. Sandwiches and cakes will be returning too! Those who plan to attend please email the Membership Secretary so we can plan numbers.

Addtionally we would request that members planning to attend on the day, if you are showing any symptoms consistent with the Covid-19 virus, please test. If you test positive, please follow the NHS advice found here.

01/09/21 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

01/08/21 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

27/02/21 Restoration News:
A report of the overhaul of electrical componenets from both locomotives at Bowers is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

12/12/20 Society News:
A reminder that the Class 15 Preservation Society AGM will be held online on Saturday 19th December at 1pm. Full details were sent to members on Sunday 8th November. Members wishing to attend the video conference should register with the Membership Secretary by noon on Thursday 17th December 2020, quoting their name and membership number. Details on how to log into the meeting will be sent to those registered.

Members who are unable to attend should return their proxy voting form, and any questions they may have for the committee/trustees, to the Membership Secretary by noon on Thursday 17th December 2020.

25/11/20 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

12/11/20 Society News:
The societies AGM will be on Saturday 19th December. Due to the continuing pandemic, this years AGM will be held online. Full details of the AGM and how to attend, were sent to members by email or post on Sunday 8th November. The society accounts for the year ending 15th April 2020 and the Autumn 2020 issue of '16YHXL' have also been sent. If any member has not received this mailing, please could they contact the Membership Secretary

07/09/20 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

12/08/20 D8233 Bogie Appeal:
A massive thank you to everyone who has donated towards the bogie fund. The society raised £9264.28 in donations which was matched by a single donation of the same amount giving a final total of £18528.56. A good proportion of these donations qualify for Gift Aid, so this will mean over £20k going towards seeing the locomotive run again!

23/07/20 D8233 Bogie Appeal:
The current total stands at £8747 and the appeal will close on 31 July. At this point the total will be matched by our anonymous donor. If you haven't donated already click here to find out how you can.

26/06/20 D8233 Bogie Appeal:
So far, through all avenues we have raised £6918, which is absolutely amazing, thank you. We've been asked by the anonymous donor (who will match the total raised) if we'd like to extend the appeal, which we've accepted - the new deadline is 31st July. Click here to find out how to help.

06/06/20 D8233 Bogie Appeal:
We are currently running a Bogie Appeal to raise funds for the overhaul of the bogies for D8233. We have been given a unique opportunity by one of our members to match any donation given in this appeal. This means that for every £1 received before the 30th June 2020, it will be matched up to £15,000, which with gift aid could be worth £37,500 to the society.

All funds raised will go towards the following:

Axles : When the loco was converted to a mobile ETH unit (ADB968001) the traction motors were removed and never returned. These 4 axles have been exposed to the air ever since. That's nearly 50 years! However these are recoverable and half a century of rust and crude will be removed. Each axle will be lifted on to a lathe and the surface will be polished.

Traction Motors : These were purchased from the Irish Traction Group many years ago. They are basically the same as the original motors, MV137. The pilot scheme locomotives, D8200 – D8209 had MV137AZ motors, which differed from the later batches by changing the gearing ratio. The AZ motors are 16/65 whereas the later batch had BZ motors geared to 15/67 (motor pinion/gearwheel ratio). The Irish motors are all geared to the 16/65 ratio, D8233's axles are all 15/67.

There is an added complication to the Irish motors, they were re-engineered during there working life to give them better tractive effort at higher speeds (the Class A & C both had Crossley V8 power units and were subsequently re-engined with GM power units). So, MV137AZ became MV137CW: compound/duplex wound armature instead of the single/simplex wound armature found on the AZ & BZ motors. If we keep all the motors the same type, ie all CW then we will not have any problems.

The plan is to send these motors off to be overhauled, have the pinion reverse engineered using the original gearwheel dimensions and loco literature to recreate the correct gearing.

Air System : Mostly complete but requires some overhauling. Our plan is to shotblast all of the crud and paint off the underside of the loco, and then a proper assessment of the steel pipes can be made. Most of the pipe runs cannot be removed, unless we cut the loco to bits and that's not going to happen. Some of the smaller ½ and ¼ inch pipework may have to be renewed due to poor condition. There are four of a particular valve, Westinghouse Relay Valves, two for each bogie which are going to be challenging to remove to overhaul. Pipe lagging, which is fibreglass will be renewed with new.

Brakes : The brakes are the essential component in reducing the kinetic energy the loco has produced. The air system facilitates the brake cylinders to push the rodding to actuate the brake blocks upon the tyres, causing friction and making the locomotive stop. Our loco's brakes haven't been used in decades and they require some new parts. New internal seals should keep these going for many years to come

Axle Roller Bearings : These bearings haven't been opened to the world in a long time. After the axles journals have been polished back up (see above) then we will look at each roller bearing. This will be a full service, axle box off and old grease removed. Only then will we be able to inspect the rollers and cage properly. We're not expecting them to be looking like new, some wear is acceptable but new seals maybe required and if they are in particularly poor condition, they may have to be renewed.

Thanks to the generous support of our members and supporters, we are making progress towards the total, but there is a long way to go. If you are able to help at this time, please visit this page

18/05/20 Charity Vote:
We have been made aware of an opportunity for some more funding, to enable us to potentially be given £1000 all you need to do is nominate us using our Charity Number 293828 and providing an email address, we would be grateful if you would considering voting for us via this link for your vote to be counted it must be submitted no later than 23:59 on the 24th May 2020.

10/03/20 D8233 Bogie Appeal:
The steady progress on D8233 continues and attention has now turned to the bogies. D8233 was lifted from its own bogies in 2019 and currently sits on DMU bogies while its own were dismantled. The major components now require specialist attention. More details are here

08/12/19 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

23/09/19 Society News:
This years Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday the 2nd November 2019 at 1300 in the Education Room at the Bury Transport Museum, Castlecroft Yard, Bury, Lancashire. There will be sandwiches and cakes available to members who attend. Those who plan to attend please email the chairman so we can plan numbers.

06/09/19 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

18/04/19 Restoration News:
An update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

03/03/19 Restoration News:
During February D8233 was lifted from its bogies to allow their overhaul to start - a working party report is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

27/11/18 Restoration News:
A summary update for October on D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

24/11/18 Restoration News:
A summary update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

11/10/18 Society News:
This years Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday the 10th November 2018 at 1300 in the Education Room at the Bury Transport Museum, Castlecroft Yard, Bury, Lancashire. There will be sandwiches and cakes available to members who attend. Those who plan to attend please email the chairman so we can plan numbers.

10/08/18 Restoration News:
A summary update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

07/06/18 Restoration News:
Summary updates for both locos are here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

27/04/18 Restoration News:
A summary update for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact Rob Mason

23/12/17 Restoration News:
Summary updates for both locos are here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

09/09/17 Society News:
This years Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday the 28th October 2017 at 1300 in the Education Room at the Bury Transport Museum, Castlecroft Yard, Bury, Lancashire. There will be sandwiches and cakes available to members who attend. Those who plan to attend please email the chairman so we can plan numbers.

20/6/17 Restoration News:
An update for recent restoration work on D8233 is here here & here . If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

01/03/17 D5705 Update:
The November 2016 website update for D5705 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

15/02/17 D5705 Update:
Whilst work continues apace on D5705, the website updates are a little behind. Monthly updates from last year are here here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

10/01/17 D5705 Update:
A review of work undertaken on D5705 during the summer is here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

05/01/17 Restoration News:
An update for recent restoration work on D8233 is here & here . If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

23/09/16 Restoration News:
An update for recent restoration work on D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

09/09/16 Society News:
This years Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday the 15th October 2016 at 1300 in the Education Room at the Bury Transport Museum, Castlecroft Yard, Bury, Lancashire. There will be sandwiches and cakes available to all who attend. Members who plan to attend please email the chairman so we can plan numbers.

07/08/16 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D5705 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

30/07/16 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

21/7/16 ELR Gala Update:
D5705 was on display and Bury Bolton Street during the recent ELR Diesel Gala and a short update is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

20/7/16 D5705 Update:
An overview of the restoration of the bogies and underside of D5705 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

04/05/16 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

26/04/16 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

24/04/16 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here and also here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

16/04/16 Society News:
The society sent a small delegation to the ExCel Centre in London to do some networking at Infrarail 2016. A few notes are here.

16/04/16 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

24/03/16 Society News:
We are pleased to announce that the C15PS have been assisting the Little Loco Company with their 'O' gauge recreation of the BTH Type 1 locomotive. The model is due for release in the spring and retails at £375. The manufacturer will be making a significant financial contribution towards the restoration of D8233. Full details are here

23/03/16 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

03/03/16 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 are here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

16/12/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 are here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact David Jenkins

10/12/15 Society News:
On behalf of the committee we would like to extend our thanks to everyone who attended the AGM on the 21st of November. The sandwiches and cakes were warmly welcomed on a cold autumnal afternoon. We would like to welcome David Jenkins on to the committee and to the position of Voluntary Liaison Officer. David has been a volunteer with our society for 2 years and has made the workshop his second home. Apart from increasing the committee by one, there were no other changes. We informed the members of the wonderful progress being made by both teams on the respective locos over the last 12 months and what we have planned for 2016. Finally, thank you to all our members for your continued support. Rob Mason (Chairman)

28/10/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

24/10/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 is here here here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

04/10/15 Society News:
This years Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday the 21st of November 2015 at 1330 in the Education Room at the Bury Transport Museum, Castlecroft Yard, Bury, Lancashire. There will be sandwiches and cakes available to all who attend. It will be possible to visit the locomotive via a walk down to Buckeley Wells Carriage Works - stout footwear is advisable. Members who plan to attend please email the chairman so we can plan numbers.

13/09/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 is here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

19/08/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

02/08/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

20/07/15 Gallery Update:
Some photos of D8243's spell as a heating unit at Marylebone in the mid eighties have been added here. Many thanks to Nick Melling for allowing us to use them.

20/07/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

19/07/15 Restoration News:
A working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

02/07/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

07/06/15 Restoration News::
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

28/05/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

05/05/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

28/04/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

06/04/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 ishere. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

30/03/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 are here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

06/03/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 are here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

15/02/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 are here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

09/01/15 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

20/12/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

12/12/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

23/11/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 is here and here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

28/10/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

24/10/14 Restoration News:
A number of recent working party reports for D5705 have been added and can be viewed here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

15/10/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

02/10/14 Society News:
The C15PS AGM is being held on Saturday 22nd November at 1300 in the Meeting Room at the Bury Transport Museum. All members are welcome to attend and andwiches will be provided. We are also trying to organise a trip to Buckeley Wells Carriage and Wagon Works where D8233 is currently based.

28/09/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

14/09/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

02/09/14 Society News:
It is with regret to inform our members that over the last two months two long standing committee members have left their positions within the society. Simon Altham’s contribution over the last 30 years towards D8233 has been invaluable and he will be sorely missed. Without the time and effort he has put in to the locomotive’s wellbeing it may well not of survived the cutters torch. History however tells a different story and we are proud to say that Simon is a true preservation pioneer.

We have also reluctantly accepted Chris Baily’s resignation from the position of Project Leader. Chris’s involvement from rescuing the locomotive from its hibernation at the Crewe Heritage Centre to pressing the start button when the replacement Paxman V16 coughed into life is hard to compress into a few sentences. The amount of work, either hands on or behind the scenes regarding the two loco’s in the society’s care is incalculable. Chris is not leaving us completely, thankfully but wishes to concentrate his time on his family and those two beautifully restored Class 14s.

The society welcomes Rob Mason to the position of Chairman. Rob has been a regular working member since Autumn 2007 and has been involved with the restoration of both D8233 and D5705. The Project Leader position has been delegated between the other committee members for the time being. Jim Gough will continue with his work on D8233 and Adam Booth likewise with D5705. We are forging ahead with plans set in motion before Chris’s departure and we will be regularly updating this site from now on.

02/09/14 Website News:
We have ventured into the world of social media and D8233 now has a Facebook Page. We update this on a week to week basis, even if it's just a picture of the members work on that day. The Metrovick also has a page here.

26/05/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

27/02/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

15/02/14 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. If you wish to lend a hand and volunteer on either loco please contact the relevant Team Leader

29/01/14 News:
A short film about railways in Britain in 1959 can be seen here. It depicts the early BR diesel types including Class 15 & Class 28.

12/01/14 Website News:
A link to the Heritage Shunters Trust has been added to the links page. The Rowsley based group is responsible for the restoration of three Paxman engined locos along with various other shunting locomotives.

04/12/13 Society News:
The C15PS AGM is being held on Saturday 4th January in the Meeting Room at the Bury Transport Museum. Proceedings start at 1pm and all C15PS members are welcome to attend.

13/10/13 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is October 26/27 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

08/06/13 Restoration News:
A report for jobs carried out on D8233 over the last two months is here. The next working weekend is June 15/16 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

30/05/13 D8233 News:
D8233 will be on display at the forthcoming East Lancs Railway Diesel Gala on July 5-7. It is also planned to start the locomotive during this time. Details are here

11/05/13 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is May 25/26 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

27/03/13 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is April 13/14 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

14/03/13 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is March 16/17 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

02/03/13 Restoration News:
Recent working party report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is March 16/17 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

20/02/13 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 are here and here. The next working weekend is March 2/3 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

06/02/13 Restoration News:
A working party report for two days spent converting the ex-NIR DEMU Power Car into a store for the locos is here. The next working weekend is February 16/17 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

28/01/13 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D5705 are here and here. The next working weekend is February 2/3 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

19/01/13 Restoration News:
The latest report for a D8233 working party is here. The next working weekend is February 2/3 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

15/12/12 Restoration News:
The latest report for a D8233 working party is here and the latest report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is December 29/30 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

09/12/12 Restoration News:
The latest report for a D8233 working party is here. The next working weekend is December 15/16 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact the relevant Team Leader

A photo of D8233 when stored at HM prior to preservation is here

17/11/12 Restoration News:
The latest report for a D8233 working party is here. The next working weekend is December 1/2 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

16/11/12 D8233 News:
We are pleased to announce the acquisition of what is thought to be the last known surviving Class 15 power unit which will be kept as a fully operational spare for D8233. The Paxman 16YHXL has been used in a standby capacity since the early 1980's by a well-known aviation systems company in the south of England and is in virtually overhauled condition.

This brings to conclusion six years of communication with the company and one final proposal that secured the engine. The C15PS engineering team will be visiting the site to assess what is required to remove and transport the engine and to also meet the people who have kindly made this donation possible. A more detailed report on the engine will appear on this website in the New Year along with some pictures.

16/11/12 Restoration News:
Reports for recent working parties on D8233 are here and here. The next working weekend is November 16/17 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

15/11/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is November 16/17 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

11/11/12 Restoration News:
A report for a week long working party that concentrated on restoring the locomotives vacuum system is here. The next working weekend is November 16/17 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

22/09/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is October 6/7 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

16/09/12 Society News:
The C15PS AGM is being held on Saturday 3rd November in the Meeting Room at the Bury Transport Museum. Proceedings start at 2pm and all C15PS members are welcome to attend.

15/09/12 Restoration News:
Working Party Dates for 2013 are as follows;

January: 5/6 & 19/20
February: 2/3 & 16/17
March: 2/3 & 16/17 & 30/31
April: 13/14 & 27/28
May: 11/12 & 25/26
June: 1/2 & 15/16 & 29/30
July: 13/14 & 27/28
August: 11/12, 25/26
September: 31 Aug/1 & 14/15 & 28/29
October: 12/13 & 26/27
November: 9/10 & 23/24
December: 7/8 & 21/22

08/09/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is September 22/23 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

02/09/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is September 8/9 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

12/08/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is August 25/26 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

10/08/12 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D5705 are here and here plus a day spent on D8233 is detailed here. The next working weekend is August 25/26 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

05/08/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is August 11/12 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

17/07/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is July 28/29 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

30/06/12 Restoration News:
Recent working party reports for D8233 are here and here. The next working weekend is July 14/15 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

26/06/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is June 30/July 1st - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

26/05/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is June 2/3 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

13/05/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is May 19/20 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

28/04/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is May 5/6 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

13/04/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is April 21/22 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

04/04/12 Restoration News:
In recent months most of the C15PS volunteers have been 'loaned' to the effort to get the ELR's class 14 D9531 back into traffic which was achieved in time for the ELR's March Diesel Event. Full details are on the 'Ernest' website. Attention has now turned back to D8233 and D5705. A short report for 3rd March is here

The next working weekend is April 21/22 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

03/01/12 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is sJanuary 14/15 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

04/12/11 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is for D8233 and is on December 15/16 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

12/11/11 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is for D8233 and is on November 26/27 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

07/11/11 Restoration News:
A recent working party report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on November 12/13 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

13/10/11 Website News:
A yahoo group page for this website has been created and subscribers will be alerted via email upon each update to the C15PS website. Details here or simply send an email to 8233website-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk and follow the instructions.

12/10/11 Restoration News:
A recent report for the work on D5705 after it was lifted from its bogies last month is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on October 15/16 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

11/10/11 Restoration News:
A recent report for the work lifting D5705 from its bogies last month is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on October 15/16 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

09/10/11 Restoration News:
A recent working report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on October 15/16 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

09/10/11 Restoration News:
Working Party Dates for 2012 are as follows;

January: Dec31/1st, 14/15, 28/29
February: 11/12, 25/26
March: 10/11, 24/25
April: 7/8, 21/22
May: 5/6, 19/20
June: 2/3, 16/17, 30/1st
July: 14/15, 28/29
August: 11/12, 25,26
September: 8/9, 22/23
October: 6/7, 20/21
November: 3/4, 16/17
December: 1/2, 15/16, 29/30

14/09/11 Restoration News:
A recent working report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on October 15/16 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

13/09/11 Restoration News:
The society has been given a boost with the acquisition of a pair of ex Class 15 bogies from the Crewe Heritage Trust. A report is here

26/08/11 Restoration News:
Recent working reports for D5705 are here and here. The locomotive is undergoing preparation for a lift from its bogies next month and an appeal has been launched for the overhaul of the bogies. More details on this are here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on October 15/16 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

25/08/11 Restoration News:
Working reports for D8233 during July and August have now been added with the major development of D8233 now being housed under cover in Buckley Wells shed at Bury for the next stage of its restoration. Working reports can be found via the progress page. The next working weekend is for D8233 and is on September 3/4- if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

10/07/11 Restoration News:
A recent working reports for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on July 23/24 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

01/07/11 Restoration News:
Recent working reports now added for D5705 and D8233. The next working weekend is for D8233 and is on July 9/10 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

22/6/11 Restoration News:
Many of the C15PS team had in recent months volunteered their services to the final push to get ELR resident class 14 D9531 back into traffic and as a result work on D8233 slowed but as the 14 nears completion work has picked up on the class 15 and a recent working report is here. The next working weekend is for D8233 and is on July 9/10 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

28/5/11 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D5705 over the working weekend of 1st May. A report for the extended working weekend is here. The next working weekend is for D8233 and is on June 11/12 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

28/4/11 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D5705 over the working weekend of 2-3 April. A report for the extended working weekend is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on 30 April/1st May- if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

24/3/11 Gift Aid News:
Changes at the Inland Revenue mean that from April 5th all donations made with Gift Aid will be worth less so if you are thinking of making a one off donation to the society please try to do so before April 5th! And don't forget to complete one of these

12/3/11 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D5705 over the working weekend of 5/6 March. A report for the extended working weekend is here. The next working weekend is for D8233 and is on 19/20 March - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

11/3/11 MSTS News:
The C15PS produced Microsoft Train Simulator™ North Wales Coast 2 add-on pack is now available as a follow up to the highly successful first edition. More details and how to order can be found on our shop page.

09/03/11 Restoration News:
You may have noticed the lack of updated on our website recently - perhaps you might have thought that we have forgotten to update the site or even given up! Well no....early in the year the C15PS volunteers decided that they would prefer to concentrate all main efforts on Class 14 D9531 until it is finished with the aim of having it back in traffic for July. Work has not stopped on D8233 or D5705 - just taken a back step for a short while. You can follow the progress on D9531 at this website - www.d9531.com

However work is still continuing on the locos in our care and volunteers made progress with the restoration of D5705 over the weekend of 19/20 February. A report is here. The next working weekend is for D8233 and is on 19/20 March - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

27/12/10 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D8233 over the working weekend of 18/19 December. A report is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on 8/9 January - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

21/12/10 Restoration News:
Working Party Dates for 2011 on both D8233 and D5705 are as follows;

January: 8/9 (D5705), 22/23 (D8233)
February: 5/6 (D5705), 19/20 (D8233)
March: 5/6 (D5705), 19/20 (D8233)
April: 2/3 (D5705), 16/17 (D8233) 30th (D5705)
May: 1st (D5705), 14/15 (D8233), 28/29 (D5705)
June: 11/12 (D8233), 25/26 (D5705)
July: 9/10 (D8233), 23/24 (D5705)
August: 6/7 (D8233), 20/21 (D5705)
September: 3/4 (D8233), 17/18 (D8233)
October: 1/2 (D8233), 15/16 (D5705), 29/30 (D8233)
November: 12/13 (D5705), 26/27 (D8233)
December: 17/18 (D5705, 31/1 (D8233)

19/12/10 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D5705 over the working weekend of 4/5 December. A report is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on 8/9 January - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

28/11/10 Restoration News:
A report for a recent working party on D8233 is here. The following weekend saw a number of overhauled heavy items returned to both D8233 and D5705 with the use of a crane. A report for the work undertaken during this working weekend is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on December 4/5 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

2/11/10 Society News:
A report for a recent working party on D8233 is here. A reminder that the C15PS AGM is being held this Saturday 6th November at the Old White Lion Public House on Bolton St in Bury. Proceedings start at 2pm and all C15PS members are welcome to attend.

30/10/10 Restoration News:
A report for the September working party on D8233 is here and a report for the October D5705 working party is here. The two ex-class 31 exhausters destined for D8233 have been overhauled and a write up is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on November 5/6 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

5/10/10 Restoration News:
A report for the September working party on D5705 is here. The weekend also saw an amount of work take place on D8233. The next working weekend is October 9/10 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

4/10/10 Restoration News:
A report outstanding from August on D5705 has been added here

27/9/10 Society News:
The society will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Saturday November 6th at the Old White Lion Public House on Bolton St in Bury. Proceedings start at 2pm and all C15PS members are welcome to attend.

5/9/10 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D5705 over the working weekend of 14/15 August. A report is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on 11/12 September - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

9/8/10 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D8233 over the working weekend of 31 July/1st August. A report is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on 14/15 August - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

7/8/10 Restoration News:
A report for the D8233 start up weekend is here

22/7/10 Restoration News:
A report for a recent working party on D5705 is here

24/6/10 Restoration News:
On Saturday 19th June at precisely 11 am, preservation history was made. Class 15 D8233's Paxman 16YHXL power unit burst into life. Utilising Class 20 20087, which had its own power unit disconnected from its start contactors and the Paxman on the class 15 connected via the newly overhauled BTH generator, two car batteries to power the run solenoid and a battery charger to run the oil priming pump.

The button was then pressed on 20087 and D8233 burst into life and did not disappoint in the noise and smoke departments. The power unit was allowed to run for a short period then shut down to allow vital checks to various items be made, it was then restarted and allowed to run for an hour. The start up is the first time a Class 15 has run in two decades (as heating units) and D8233 last ran (as heating unit) in the early 1980's. The start up is result of 4 years hard restoration by a dedicated team and went successfully with only a few minor snags to now sort. The start up also now test proves other areas of the loco, such as cooler group, oil and fuel systems which have all been completely stripped down over the years for renovation. Although the power unit has been started up, it will be some years before D8233 is ready to haul a train.

Around £60k has been spent so far to get to this stage and it is estimated it will require the same again plus more to get it hauling its first passenger train. Its estimated that another 4-5 years work is required. The power unit and generator will now be drained down and effectively stored until D8233 has its own control system in place to be able to start it again. Project leader Chris Baily said " Its been a very fulfilling event and very emotional for the restoration team. It just shows what time, patience, passion, vision, planning and shear hard graft can achieve. A great moral booster and we now cant wait to get it on a train, we just need the funds to do so."

Photos are here

23/6/10 Restoration News:
Reports for two recent working weekends on D8233 are here and here

13/6/10 Restoration News:
Progress was made on both locos over the weekend of May 22/23. A report for D8233 is here and a report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is 19/20 June - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

14/5/10 Restoration News:
April was a busy month for the volunteers with the overhauled generator being refitted and work on the power unit taking place in readiness for an engine start up. Reports for the week long working party on D8233 are here here and here. Iif you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

13/5/10 Generator Appeal:
The overhauled generators were returned to Bury in mid April after Dowding & Mills completed the overhaul work to a very high standard. The Generator Appeal is now closed and the Society would like to thank everyone who made donations to the fund and although we did not reach our target the shortfall was made up by the activities of our sales stand.

16/4/10 Restoration News:
A busy few days at the end of March saw progress made on both locos. A report for D8233 is here & for D5705 here. Iif you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

23/3/10 Restoration News:
A busy weekend over 13/14 March with excellent progress made on both locos. A report for D8233 is here & for D5705 here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on 27/28 March & on 3/4 April for D8233 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

13/3/10 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D8233 over the working weekend of 13-14 February. A report is here. The next working weekend is for D5705 and is on 27/28 March - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

2/3/10 Restoration News:
A change to the working party dates on D8233 during April sees the planned weekend on April 10/11 now cancelled and replaced with a date a week earlier on April 3/4.

17/2/10 Restoration News:
The societies Preservation Officer has begun the overhaul of two exhausters destined for D5705. The work is taking place away from Bury and a report for the overhaul of the first machine is here

7/2/10 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 30-31 January. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekend is for D8233 and on 13/14 February - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

27/1/10 Restoration News:
A report for the first working weekend of 2010 on D5705 has been added here. The next working weekend is 30/31 January on D5705 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

13/1/10 Restoration News:
The reports for the final working weekends of 2009 on both locos have been uploaded; D8233 and D5705. The society wishes to thank all who have volunteered and supported us during the last year. The next working weekend is 16/17 January - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

8/1/10 Restoration News:
Working Party Dates for 2010 on both D8233 and D5705 are as follows;

January: 2nd & 3rd (D5705), 16th & 17th (D8233), 30th & 31st (D5705)
February: 13th & 14th (D8233), 27th & 28th (D5705)
March: 13th & 14th (D8233), 27th & 28th (D5705)
April: 3rd & 4th (D8233), 24th & 25th (D5705)
May: 8th & 9th (D8233), 22nd & 23rd (D5705)
June: 5th & 6th (D8233), 19th & 20th (D5705)
July: 3rd & 4th (D8233), 17th & 18th (D5705),31st (D8233)
August: 1st (D8233), 14th & 15th (D5705), 28th & 29th (D8233)
September: 11th & 12th (D5705), 25th & 26th (D8233)
October: 9th & 10th (D5705), 23rd & 24th (D8233)
November: 6th & 7th (D5705), 20th & 21st (D8233)
December: 4th & 5th (D5705), 18th & 19th (D8233)

If you want to get involved please contact Chris Tatton

Click here to visit the news archive

D8233 WILL RUN AGAIN!

Thanks to an intake of new members from the "Project D8233" group, The Class 15 Preservation Society is now re-launched with a newly elected committee. The "Project D8233" name will however live on as the name given to the restoration team.

Content Copyright © The Class 15 Preservation Society | Registered Charity Number 293828 | Site design by J Murphy