9681 is one of two humble Pannier tanks owned by the DFLG. Designed by the GWR, the 8750tank was a derived version of the 5700 class locomotive. The main difference between the 5700 and 8750 is the cab, which has more modern and larger windows. 863 of this class of locomotive were built, they were the most prolific class of locomotive on the Great Western.
Built at Swindon in 1949, 9681 spent the majority of its BR service in Wales working at various locations including Tondu, Aberbeeg, Barry and Cardiff from where it was withdrawn in July 1965. It travelled under its own steam to Woodhams Bros. scrapyard in Barry where it languished for the next 10 years. 9681 was rescued from the breakers in October 1975 and transported to Norchard where in September 1984 it moved under its own steam. 9681 was withdrawn from service in August 2001 and dismantled for major overhaul – restoration progressed well on the frames and motion whilst the boiler was overhauled at the workshops at the Old Flour Mill, Bream near Lydney. Heavily used on the DFR after it returned to service in 2005 the loco was withdrawn from service in November 2007 to have new tyres fitted and other essential work carried out. It returned to service in August 2008. In May 2009 the locomotive celebrated its 60th anniversary, being built in Swindon in 1949. The History of 9681 in BR and DFR days is to be found in a book available from Norchard Bookshop. The engine was withdrawn from its last operational stint in October 2013 and a comprehensive overhaul has been carried out. 9681 returned to service in early 2022 after being re-dedicated by Bishop Christopher Hill KVSO
9681 is propelled onto the low-loader by a Class 08 loco which fortunately for us was shunting the yard, the transport had arrived sans winch. (photo John Hatton)
9682 is the very last of the 862 strong 5700 Class of 0-6-0 PT locomotives to be built. She was built at Swindon Works and out shopped on the 3rd May 1949 at a cost of £5279 which including the boiler cost of £1325.. It is reported that she took approximately five weeks to build although as parts were manufactured in batches and had longer lead times this maybe just the final fabrication and assembly time. In her operation life with British Railways she was allocated to three sheds, predominately Tyseley, latterly Aberbeeg and finally Radyr. Up until 28th December 1963, when records ceased, she travelled an estimated 242,035 miles and had five different boilers fitted. After a mere sixteen or so years she was withdrawn from service in August 1965 and sold for scrap to Woodham Brothers, Barry Glamorgan. There she remained in the long line of locomotives awaiting their fate. However, this was not the end and like many other locomotives left quietly rusting at Barry, she had more to give to future generations. She was purchased by the Great Western Preservation Group base at Southall where she arrived in November 1982, reportedly the 100th Locomotive to be rescued from Barry scrap yard. Work began on restoration to working order in 1996, initially at Southhall, followed by a move to
Swindon in 1997. She was steamed for the first time on 7th January 2000 and was inaugurated back into service by the Mayor of Swindon on 25th March 2000 at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. She then moved to the Bodmin and Wentford Railway where on 8th June 2000 she headed a Royal Train carrying Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. She spent some time at the Mid Norfolk Railway and finally at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway being withdrawn after about seven years of service with Boiler issues. After many trials and tribulations she was stored at Southall in a dismantled state until we, the DFLG, were offered the opportunity to purchase her. Despite several significant obstacles 9682 finally acquired by the DFLG and was safely moved to Dean Forst Railway metals by Wednesday 10th April. On Sunday 14th April the locomotive steam hauled to Norchard by Prairie 5541 supported by a not insignificant crowed of well-wishers .The restoration has now started with a new bunker and cab being fabricated and we are in the process of having a new cylinder block Cast. As previously reported in the railway press, the majority of the steam fittings with a street value of £35,000 have been misappropriated leaving the DFLG the task of sourcing or even manufacturing new ones. If anyone can help with this task please contact us.