Doncaster, UK – 22 May 2026: The Gresley Society, founded in 1963 to honour the life and works of Sir Nigel Gresley, is delighted to report another significant milestone in the overhaul of Gresley class N2 No. 1744 at the North Norfolk Railway’s workshops in Weybourne. Following its successful steaming and light engine movements on Tuesday 12 May 2026, No. 1744’s boiler passed its critical Part 2 Steam Examination Test on Wednesday 20 May 2026.

The Test was carried out to the satisfaction of Andy Wright, the Nomiated Body for the boiler from BTIS. The next steps will be completion of the painting, lining and lettering of the locomotive, and any remaining final assembly work, including the fitting of the brick arch to the firebox. The Gresley Society anticipates that No. 1744 will return to service on the NNR in July 2026, resplendent in its distinctive Great Northern Railway green livery.

The overhaul of Sir Nigel Gresley’s oldest surviving locomotive, originally withdrawn from service in late 2018, has involved extensive mechanical and boiler work, with the total cost now approaching £800,000. The North Norfolk Railway generously agreed to complete the overhaul, being reimbursed through operational use of the locomotive.

The N2 Overhaul Completion Club, launched to raise the final £100,000 needed, continues to attract strong support and has now passed £56,000, with 45 subscribers. The club offers attractive benefits for those contributing £1,000 each (payable in up to eight instalments), including a signed certificate, exclusive visits to the locomotive under overhaul, priority tickets on its first trains, a limited-edition print by Matthew Cousins, and one year’s free membership of The Gresley Society.

Philip Benham MBE, Chairman of The Gresley Society, said: “Passing the steam examination test marks yet another major step forward in returning No. 1744 to traffic for the first time since 2018. With The N2 Overhaul Completion Club now well over halfway to its target, we urge LNER enthusiasts to join us so that this unique Gresley tank engine can once again haul trains – including the Midland & Great Northern Society’s Gresley Quad-Art carriages – on the North Norfolk Railway in Sir Nigel Gresley’s 150th anniversary year. We remain grateful to the North Norfolk Railway and all those supporting the project.”

Details of how to join The N2 Overhaul Completion Club are available at www.gresley.org.

Photo caption (left to right): Keith Ashford, Andy Wright and Alex Harper-Bourne in front of Gresley class N2 No. 1744 after completion of boiler examination.