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

14/12/09 Restoration News:
A report for the October working weekend on D5705 has been added here and the report for D8233 from November is here. The next working weekend is 28/29 November - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

14/12/09 Sales News:
The Society has a number of copies of the latest issue of Heritage Railway Miles & Chains to sell in order to raise funds for D8233. This useful book can be ordered via our shop page

14/11/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration D8233 over the working weekend of 10-11 October. A report for this is here. The next working weekend is 28/29 November - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

23/10/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration D5705 over the working weekend of 25-26 September. A report for this is here. The next working weekend is 24/25 October - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

16/10/09 Society News:
The society will be holding its Annual General Meeting on November 14th at the 'Standard Fayre' at the East Lancashire Works on Baron Street, Bury. Proceedings start at 2pm and all C15PS members are welcome to attend.

28/9/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration D8233 over the working weekend of 12-13 September. A report for this is here. A new temporary storage area and workshop has been constructed at Baron Street adjacent to both locos - a working party report for this is here. The next working weekend is 10/11 October - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

5/9/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration D5705 over the working weekend of 29-30 August. A report for this is here. The next working weekend is 12/13 September - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

4/9/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration D8233 over the working weekend of 15-16 August. A report for this is here. The next working weekend is 12/13 September - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

3/9/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 1-2 August. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekend is 12/13 September - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

17/8/09 Restoration News:
The working weekend dates later in the year have been changed and are as follows:
Novemeber dates are
14th & 15th (D8233) 14th is AGM day
28th & 29th (D5705)
Decemeber date
12th & 13th (D8233)

1/8/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 18-19 July. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekend is 15/16 August - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

31/7/09 Sales News:
A new selection of Class 15 related ceramic mugs bearing locos and images associated with our loco have been produced and can be ordered from the shop page

31/7/09 MSTS News:
A patch has been issued to correct minor software glitches in the C15PS produced MSTS North Wales Coast Pack - download the patch here. This resolves problems highlighted on the UKTS forums, details in the README included in the zip. This patch does not overwrite patch 5, users who do not have a V1.05 on the DVD disc will need to also install patch 5 if not done so. Users who have a V1.06 on the DVD disc do not need to install this patch. To install simply run the nwc_patch_6.exe and follow the on screen instructions.

22/7/09 Restoration News:
A report from a recent work party on D5705 is here. The next working weekend is August 1/2 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

11/7/09 Restoration News:
A report from a recent work party on D8233 is here. The next working weekend is July 18/19 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

11/7/09 MSTS News:
A patch has been issued to correct minor software glitches in the C15PS produced MSTS North Wales Coast Pack - download the patch here. This patch replaces all previously issued and full details are here

7/7/09 MSTS News:
Due to high demand for the North Wales Coast pack we have unfortunatley run out of stock and any orders placed from today will not be dispatched until sometime next week. We apologise for this but hope to have the backlog cleared as soon as possible.

5/7/09 MSTS News:
The C15PS produced Microsoft Train Simulator™ North Wales Coats add-on pack is now available. More details and how to order can be found on our shop page. Purchasers of the pack will also need to download and install this patch.

29/6/09 Restoration News:
The first of the traction motor blowers has been overhauled by a society member. The work is taking place away from Bury and a report on the work so far is here

28/6/09 Restoration News:
A report from a recent work party on D5705 is here. The next working weekend is July 4/5 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

28/6/09 Sales News:
During the July ELR Diesel Event the C15PS Sales Stand will be out on Bury Bolton Street platform for the duration from July 3-5. As well as the usual mix of Class 15 and other railway related items the stand will also be selling the new, C15PS produced, North Wales Coast Add-on Pack for Microsoft Train Simulator (which will also be available from this site from July 6th). Additionally If you have any items you could donate to the society for sale on the sales stand please contact Jason Lovell

14/6/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration D8233 over the working weekend of 23/24 May. A report is here. The next working weekend is 20/21 June- if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

2/6/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 9/10 May. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekend is 6/7 June- if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

19/5/09 Generator Appeal:
We are now half way to our total! The Generator Fund totaliser currently stands at £10,304. A fantastic effort in four months and a massive thanks to those who have donated so far - donations have ranged from four figure sums to £1 sent in cash - it all counts, but we need to do the same again to reach our target. Can you send us a tenner? or perhaps set up a standing order for £1 a month? Remember all donations over £15 qualify for a years membership of the society. Complete a Gift Aid Form and make your money go further. Details on how to donate are here.

17/5/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration D8233 over the weekend of April 25/26. A report is here. The next working weekend is 23/24 May- if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

19/4/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 11/12 April. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekend is 25/26 April - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

16/4/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 28/29 March. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekend is 25/26 April - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

23/3/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 14/15 March as well as prepare and crew trains for the ELR Nightrider Event. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekend is 28/29 March - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

23/3/09 Generator Appeal:
We are almost a quarter of the way to achieving our target for the Generator Appeal. A page detailing progress is here. The C15PS is most grateful for the generous donations to date although there is a long way to go - details on how to contribute towards the goal of seeing D8233 haul trains again are here

11/3/09 Generator Appeal:
The society are auctioning the chance to have a cab ride on D8233's first passenger train in preservation. All monies raised will go towards the C15PS Generator Appeal . Details on how to bid are here

5/3/09 Restoration News:
A report from the last working party on D8233 is here. The next working weekend is March 14/15 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

4/3/09 Restoration News:
A report from a recent mid-week work party on D5705 is here. The next working weekend is March 14/15 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

21/2/09 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 14/15 February. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekend is February 28/1st March - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

7/2/09 Restoration News:
A report from the recent working weekend on D8233 is here. The next working weekend is February 14/15 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

21/1/09 Generator Appeal:
The generator set was sent to Dowding and Mills for assessment last October and although initial signs were good further inspections revealed that the auxiliary generator had major degrading of the insulation which had rotted away after years of outdoor storage. Unfortunately that was not the only bad news. The Main Generator inter-poles (of which there are six) were not correctly functioning and the machine will require an expensive re-wind.

Dowding's have been asked to split the inter-poles down to assess the damage but the society is expecting to have to raise in the region of £20,000 to be able to pay for these repairs along with the general overhaul of both main and auxiliary generators.

If we cannot raise this sum then D8233 will not run again! Therefore an appeal has been launched to raise money to pay for the repairs and details of this are here

20/1/09 Restoration News:
The first working party of 2009 was to be concentrated on D5705 and a work report is here. As there was a good turnout for D5705, we were able utilise two volunteers on D8233 also; Jim Gough and Kris Mason were able to progress the No1 End Traction Motor Blower modifications and the channel that will mount the traction motor blower was drilled and had nuts welded to the inside of it. At the next working weekend it is planned to have the mounts welded to the floor and the TMB bolted down.

The next working weekend is 31 Jan/1st Feb - - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

24/12/08 Restoration News:
Reports from the last two working weekends on D8233 are here and here. The next working weekend is January 17/18 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

19/12/08 Society News:
The Society held its AGM on November 29th and David Mylett was elected to the position of publicity officer replacing Ritchie Davison who did not stand for re-election. The society welcomes David to the committee and thanked Ritchie for his work during his time in the position.

Working Party Dates for 2009 on both D8233 and D5705 are as follows;

17/18 January
31 January/1 February
14/15 February
28 February/1 March
14/15 March
28/29 March
11/12 April
25/26 April
9/10 May
23/24 May
6/7 June
20/21 June
4/5 July
18/19 July
1/2 August
15/16 August
29/30 August
12/13 September
26/27 September
10/11 October
24/25 October

If you want to get involved in this unique preservation project please contact Chris Tatton

15/11/08 Society News:
The Society will be holding its Annual General Meeting on November 29th at the White Lion Public House, Bolton Street, Bury. Proceedings start at 2pm and all C15PS members are welcome to attend.

13/11/08 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 8/9 November. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekend is November 29/30 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

07/11/08 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 25/26 October. A report for D8233 is here and D5705 is here. The next working weekends are November 8/9 & 29/30 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

23/10/08 D5705 News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D5705 during a midweek work day on October 14. A report is here If you wish to lend a hand on D5705 please contact Chris Tatton

18/10/08 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 4/5 October. A report for D8233 is here. The next working weekend is October 25 & 26 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

The generator set removed from the loco last year was collected from Bury on the 15th and has been delivered to a contractor for specialist overhaul. A report is here

26/09/08 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 20/21 September. A report for D8233 is here and a report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is October 4 & 5 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

12/09/08 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 6/7 September. A report for D8233 is here and a report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is September 20/21 - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

01/09/08 Restoration News:
Volunteers made progress with the restoration of both locos over the working weekend of 23/24 August. A report for D8233 is here and a report for D5705 is here. The next working weekend is September 6th & 7th - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

22/08/08 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend held on August 9 & 10 is here. Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D8233. The next working weekends are Aug 23rd/24th and Sep 6th/7th- if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

11/08/08 D5705 News:
A report from the recent working weekends held on Co-Bo D5705 are here. This new section will be kept up to date in the same manner as with D8233. The next working weekend on D5705 & D8233 is Aug 23rd & 24th - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

25/07/08 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend held on July 19 & 20 is here. Volunteers made progress with the restoration of D8233. The next working weekend is Aug 9th & 10th - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

12/07/08 Restoration News:
Since the last report on the failed engine start-up there hasn't been much progress on D8233 itself. The main problem has been that the loco has been stored at the south end of Baron Street and inaccessible to the restoration team. After consideration of the costs involved in proceeding with the engine start up, the society has decided that at this time the money would be better invested elsewhere on the loco.

This doesn't mean the group hasn't been busy, the regular volunteers have been attending the fortnightly working weekends as normal although concentrating their work on the Co-Bo D5705, on which there has already been good progress tidying up the engine bed plate and applying green primer.

A report of recent work on D8233 and the support coach is here

The next working weekend on both locos is next weekend (19/20 July) and dates for the remainder of the year listed below
Aug 9th & 10th
Aug 23rd & 24th
Sep 6th & 7th
Sep 20th & 21st
Oct 4th & 5th
Oct 18th & 19th (diesel gala, sales stand manning)
Oct 25th & 26th
Nov 8th & 9th
Nov 29th & 30th
Dec 13th & 14th

if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

12/07/08 Sales News:
During the nine day ELR Diesel Event the Sales Stand was out on Bury platform for the duration and was providing much needed income for the group, many thanks to Jason and his helpers for manning the stand for the entire event. If you have any items you could donate to the society for sale on the sales stand please contact Jason Lovell

19/05/08 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend held on May 9 & 10 is here. Volunteers had planned to start D8233's engine but problems with the air starters prevented this, however progress was still made with the restoration. The next working weekend is 24/25 May - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

25/04/08 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend held on April 12-13 is here. Volunteers completed the rebuild of the cooler group and continue to prepare the engine for start up. The next working weekend is 26-27 April - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

02/04/08 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend held on March 29-30 is here. Volunteers again spent the weekend working on the new engine and re-assembling the cooler group. The next working weekend is 12-13 April - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

A few previously unseen photos featuring Class 15's at work on the GE in the 1960's have been added to the site here

18/03/08 Restoration News:
The Class 15 Preservation Society, the ELR Diesel Department and the Co-Bo Locomotive Group are pleased to announce that agreement has been reached for the same team and project leader currently D8233 to under take the initial restoration on unique Co-Bo D5705 also based at the ELR.

Both projects have similar restoration needs, therefore running the initial restorations side by side utilising the vast skill base within the ELR diesel department and Class 15 Preservation Society will benefit both projects. There may also be financial benefits for both locos in the form of discounted sub-contract work based on volume.

The successful format of organised fortnightly working weekends on the Class 15 will now also become D5705 working weekends when manpower is available. D5705 will be shunted into position with D8233 at the Loco Works site on the ELR in early May so work can begin. Ownership and funding will remain seperate for both projects and progress reports for D5705 will be posted on www.d5705.org.uk

As always volunteers are needed on both locos - if you wish to get involved then please contact our volunteer liaison Chris Tatton on volunteering@d8233.org.uk

04/03/08 Restoration News:
A team of C15PS volunteers spent last Thursday working on D8233, concentrating on fitting the damper, clutch and fan drive shaft to the free end of the power unit. A progress report is here. The next working weekend is 15th/16th March - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

22/02/08 Restoration News:
A team of C15PS volunteers spent today working on D8233, concentrating on the cooler group. A progress report is here. The next working weekend is 15th/16th March - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

19/02/08 MSTS News:
The next C15PS produced Microsoft Train Simulator™ add-on pack is Class 40's in Blue and features 26 class 40 loco - all in BR Blue livery. The pack features Air and Vacuum Cabviews with 6 Soundsets - so each 40 doesn't sound the same as the last! There are activities for the following routes; Caldervale, North West England V2, Scottish Central, Settle and Carlise & Yorkshire Coast. More details and how to order can be found on our shop page.

15/02/08 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend held on February 9-10 is here. Volunteers again spent the weekend working on the new engine and re-assembling the cooler group. The next working weekend is 23-24 February - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

07/02/08 Restoration News:

04/02/08 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend held on January 26-27 is here. Volunteers again spent the weekend working on the new engine in preparation for the planned start up later this year. The next working weekend is 9-10 February - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

19/01/08 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend held on January 12-13 is here. Volunteers spent time working on the newly installed engine in preparation for the planned start up later this year. The next working weekend is 26-27 January and and planned working weekends for the next few months are detailed below - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

Forthcoming D8233 working weekends at Bury :-

9th/10th February
23/24th February
15th/16th March
29th/30th March
12th/13th April
26th/27th April
10th/11th May
24th/25th May

03/12/07 MSTS News:
The next C15PS produced Microsoft Train Simulator™ add-on pack is Baby Deltics and features the 10 Baby Deltics D5900 - D5909 in Early BR Green, BR Green and BR Blue liveries. Cabviews and soundpack and BR M1 coaches in Maroon and Blood & Custard plus a selection of freight stock. There are activities for the following routes; East Coast Express, ELR, SVR, WSR, Burton & Derby (available from uktrainsim.com). More details and how to order can be found on our shop page.

26/11/07 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend held on November 17-18 is here. The next working weekend is 1-2 December - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

25/11/07 Society News:
The Society will be holding its Annual General Meeting on December 1st at White Lion Public House, Bolton Street, Bury. Proceedings start at 2pm and all C15PS members are welcome to attend.

28/10/07 Restoration News:

A big milestone in the restoration of our locomotive took place during the October working week when the stripped Paxman 16YHXL engine was craned out and a fully operational replacement unit was installed. Please click on the following links for full reports on the work carried out. October 12-14 October 14-19 & October 20-21

The next working weekend was scheduled for 3rd & 4th of November, however the team have decided we need a rest to let our bodies and wallets recuperate, so the next working weekend will be 17-18 November. If you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

1/10/07 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend is here. As well as the ongoing restoration work, C15PS volunteers continued to get D8233 ready for the planned power unit lift which will take place during this months working week from October 12-22. If you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

15/09/07 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend, where volunteers concentrated on making D8233 ready for the planned power unit change next month, is here. The next working weekend is 23-24 September - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

13/09/07 Restoration News:
The fan and fan drive has arrived back from overhaul at Solutions Engineering Ltd. More here

11/09/07 MSTS News:
The next C15PS produced Microsoft Train Simulator™ add-on pack is Deltic Six and features all six preserved production deltics in their various guises over the years along with cabview, sounds and acts for East Coast Express parts 1&2, East Lancs Railway, Severn Valley and West Somerset add-ons (available from uktrainsim.com). More details and how to order can be found on our shop page.

29/08/07 Restoration News:
The society is pleased to announce that a dedicated team has been formed to design, source and build a new electrical cubicle for D8233 replacing the items lost during its time in storage at Crewe. The team is is headed up by ELR volunteers Steve Foster and Alan Lee who will work on the project seperately from the main loco restoration thereby speeding up the locos return to working order. The new cubicle will in essence be conventional and very similar to the old one, and with the benefit of the new cable and equipment chosen, should be very long lasting and reliable.The next working weekend on D8233 is 8-9 September - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

08/08/07 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend where volunteers concentrated on the continuing work to re-assemble D8233's cooler group is here. The next working weekend is 25-26 August - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

06/08/07 Restoration News:
A report of the C15PS working week that took place at the end of July is here. Volunteers continued to re-assemble D8233's cooler group which is now well on the way to completion. The next working weekend is 25-26 August - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

23/07/07 MSTS News:
We are pleased to announce that we can accept orders for two new Microsoft Train Simulator™ add-on packs; ELR Classic Traction and Blue Deltics! More details and how to order can be found on our shop page.

03/07/07 Sales News:
We are pleased to announce that we can accept orders for Preserved Heritage Traction, a book that details all preserved diesel & electric locomotives plus multiple units of British Rail origin and its constituent companies. By purchasing through the C15PS a substantial donation will go towards the restoration of D8233. More details and how to order can be found on our shop page.
The C15PS sales stand will be out at Bury Bolton Street during this weeks five day Diesel Event at the East Lancs Railway - please do come and support us.

21/06/07 Restoration News:
A report of the most recent working party report from Bury is here. Volunteers continued to re-assemble D8233's cooler group. The next working weekend is 21/22 July - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

05/06/07 Restoration News:
A report from the last working weekend where volunteers concentrated on the continuing work to re-assemble D8233's cooler group is here. The next working weekend is 16/17 June - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

05/06/07 MSTS News:
The C15PS produced Microsoft Train Simulator™ add-on pack Peak Power is currently out of stock. We are still accepting orders for this product but orders will not be dispatched until later this month once stocks are replenished.

29/05/07 Restoration News:
A report of recent work to begin re-assembling D8233's cooler group is here. The next working weekend is 2/3 June - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

17/05/07 Restoration News:
A report of recent work carried out on the loco at Bury is here. The next working weekend is 26/27 May - if you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

15/05/07 MSTS News:
The next C15PS produced Microsoft Train Simulator™ add-on pack will be Deltic Blue and will feature all 22 production deltics in BR Blue guises (apart from 55002 which is in the green it carried in early 80's) along with BR Blue & Grey Mk1's and activities for the default S&C, Mid East 1.4 and North West England routes (available from uktrainsim.com). We expect this pack to be available by late June priced at £10 plus P&P. A preview is here

09/05/07 MSTS News:
We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting orders for the Microsoft Train Simulator™ add-on pack Green Deltics! via post or PayPal! More here and a YouTube video of the pack is here

02/05/07 Restoration News:
D8233 working weekends at Bury for this year are

26th & 27th May
2nd & 3rd June
16th & 17th June
21st & 22nd July
4th & 5th of August
25th & 26th August
8th & 9th September
23rd& 24th September
12th & 21st October (Working Week)
3rd & 4th Nov
17th & 18th Nov
1st & 2nd Dec

If you wish to lend a hand please contact Chris Tatton

31/04/07 Site Updates:
A report of the working weekend of 28/29 April is here

03/04/07 Site Updates:
A report of the working weekend of 1-2 April is here. Photos of the overhauled Oil Priming Pump are here

20/03/07 Site Updates:
A report of the working weekend of 17/18 March is here

25/02/07 Site Updates:
A report of the working weekend of 23/24 February is here

04/02/07 Site Updates:
A report of the working weekend of 3/4 February is here

11/11/06 AGM News:
The Annual General Meeting was held today, at which twenty one members attend, a number of updates were provided, a couple of appointments and changes to the committee were accepted, and a number of revisions to the existing constitution agreed.

02/08/06 Restoration News:
First component fully overhauled. We are delighted to inform you that the fan drive gearbox has arrived back from Solutions engineering Ltd.

05/08/06 Restoration News:
We are delighted to inform that the replacement Paxman 16YHXL unit purchased from Beta Generators, arrived at Castlecroft Yard in Bury on the 1st of August from Glasgow. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Geoff at Beta Plant for his time and patience. The power unit is protected from the elements at Castlecroft until work is at a stage where the original power unit from D8233 can be placed alongside to swap relevant pipework etc. over to the new one. We hope to be able to take advantage of the air starters, and run the power unit up on the ground for testing purposes in the near future. Photos of the engine are available on this progress report. Photo here

02/06/06 Restoration News:
We are very pleased to be able to announce that we have secured the long term loan of 2 "Fruit Machine" controllers, this represents another major step forward for the society with regard to missing components. We wish to extend our thanks to all involved in The Bury Type Two Group (24054) & Keith Buckley, who stored the Driver Controller as a spare for the 24061 Preservation Group. Many thanks go to Bob Fussey of the NYMR and the Bury Diesel Group for Transport of the Driver Controller from Grosmont to Bury. Both controllers are in need of overhaul and fortunately Brian Baily who was involved in the work on D8233 during its time at Crewe has recently joined the society and volunteered to overhaul both of the units. Photo here

02/06/06 Site Updates:
We are now accepting orders for "Peak Power" our second add-on pack for Microsoft Train Simulator. More details here. Also report and photos from the mini working weekend of 27 & 28/05/06 added.

16/05/06 Site Updates:
Photos of the working weekend on 13 & 14/05/06 added here. Mouse mat added to the Sales page.

15/05/06 Site Updates:
Report of the working weekend on 13 & 14/05 added here. Sales page updated to include our latest sales items of 4 designs of mug and a cap as well as including a Paypal shopping basket and printable mail-order form.

07/05/06 Site Updates:
A few updates to the web site, with the working weekend report for the mini working weekend of 22 & 23/04/06 added here. Photo galleries added for the last 2 working weekends here and here. Additional photo of ADB968000 added here and D8233 here.

04/03/06 Restoration News:
We are pleased to announce that we have made another major step forward towards restoring D8233 to operating condition with the securing of a working replacement Paxman 16YHXL engine. The engine was sourced via Geoff Davies of Beta Generators in Stockport and inspected by representatives of the society on 01/03/06. The engine has been used as a static alternator set and is believed to be one of the ex BR ones. Our plan is once it has been transported to Bury to fit the traction governor from D8233s engine connect a temporary fuel supply and cooling system then run the engine up to prove it then place it in dry secure storage until the loco is ready for the power unit fitting. Acquiring this engine will undoubtedly pay huge dividends for us by reducing the time and work needed to restore D8233 as well as putting us in the position of effectively having 2 engines. A few photos of the replacement engine are here.

At Bury work has continued with a mini working weekend being held on the 25 & 25/02/06. The work performed included the completion of the removal of the rest of the body side doors from D8233 and the start of removing the smaller external fittings along with more work towards completing the fitting out of our support coach and safe storage of the components already removed from D8233. We would like to extend a huge thank you at all involved in helping us to secure the replacement engine as well as the team of volunteers that attended the mini working weekend.

12/02/06 Restoration News:
Saturday 11/02/06 was the day of the big shunt to position D8233 and our support coach in to the agreed position at Buckley Wells, this shunt involving moving everything on the line at the side of the old EMU shed to allow D8233 and our coach to be shunted down to the far end, the opportunity was also taken to reposition the vehicles already there In to more favourable positions for the groups involved in them.

On Sunday 12/02/06 a start made on D8233 its self with all the body side doors on one side being removed before D8233 was sheeted over to protect it from the elements, Inside the support coach several of the lose components were moved to new storage positions giving us room for not only to store more components as they are removed from D8233 but also giving us a clear workshop area within the coach. A few more photos of the weekend added here.

10/02/06 Restoration News:
D8233 was today successfully moved by road from Crewe to its new home at Bury arriving In Bury around lunchtime. Click here to view a gallery of photos from the move. Tomorrow will see D8233 shunted in to position next to our support coach. We would like to offer our thanks to all involved in making the move go smoothly.

30/01/06 MSTS News:
We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting orders for the MSTS add-on pack via post or PayPal! Orders placed before will be posted out after 06/02/06, and it will also be available to buy on ebay after 06/02/06.

27/01/06 Site Update:
Photos added to both the Class 15 gallery and the D8233 gallery.

16/01/06 Site Update:
More photos added to the move gallery.

15/01/06 News:
The Class 15 Preservation Society is pleased to announce we have now secured a long-term restoration base for D8233 at The East Lancashire Railway.

Over the weekend of the 14th and 15th of January all loose parts including the exhausters and traction motors were moved from Crewe to our new home at Bury. A few photos of the weekends work can be found here. We would like to offer a big thank you to Martin Walker, Beaver Sports Yorkshire, The Railway Age Crewe, The Bury Diesel Group, The East Lancashire Railway Steam Department, The East Lancashire Railway, as well as all who attended on the 14th and 15th without who this first but important step in the restoration of D8233 would not have been possible.

D8233 will be moving to our new home shortly so the restoration can start in earnest.

23/12/05 News:
The Class 15 Preservation Society is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached to ensure that Class 15 D8233 (Currently at the Railway Age, Crewe) is returned to operational condition with the ownership of the locomotive having passed to the C15PS from the previous custodians, The Waterman Heritage Railway Trust.

The society wish to thank the contribution made by the WHRT, and we aim to build upon the work carried out so far. A team of dedicated volunteers is ready with the goal of returning this unique loco to operational condition and operating the loco at heritage railways.

However, the scale of the task we have taken on should not be understated. This is a long-term project and it will not be an easy restoration to undertake, mainly because much of the original traction control equipment was removed during the locos conversion to a train heating unit. Fortunately, due to the WHRT acquiring a number of suitable replacement traction motors as well as many other spares, along with the numerous offers of help and support which Project D8233 has received in the months since the group was formed, we are now in a position to move forward and make resurrecting this unique survivor from the "Modernisation Plan" a reality!

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.

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