British Railways 4-6-0 No. 73096 'Merlin'
Alresford, Hampshire, UK 		Location: Mid Hants Railway
Status: Stored
Posted: Jan 12, 2024 @ 04:01:59 by Achim
Currently in Ropley for an overhaul. It has been suggested that the locomotive could run on steam again in 2025.
Posted: Aug 22, 2018 @ 10:08:55 by Russell Newman
No. 73096 will be at this years Great Dorset Steam Fair at Tarrant Hinton near Blandford Forum in Dorset from the 23rd to the 27th of August 2018. The BR Standard 5MT 4-6-0 is being used as a heavy haulage load for Traction engines and Road locomotive there. No. 73096 is one of three railway locomotives taking part in the 50th Great Dorset Steam Fair this year.
Posted: Apr 18, 2018 @ 14:04:30 by Russell Newman
The Mid Hants Railway has launched a appeal to raise funds to have 73096 overhauled and put back in to steam again. They have set up a BT MyDonate page which details can be found on the Mid Hants Railways website.
Posted: Dec 1, 2017 @ 10:12:55 by Russell Newman
No. 73096 was moved back home to the Mid Hants Railway in Hampshire in November after it was sold to them by its former owner last month. The BR Standard 5MT 4-6-0 is now in storage at Ropley till such time it can be overhauled in the works there.
Posted: Nov 17, 2017 @ 17:11:17 by Russell Newman
Now for some wonderful news! After some years being in storage at Southall Depot in London No. 73096 has been sold by its owner as a early Christmas present to the Mid Hants Railway. The loco will be returning to its former home very soon for a much needed overhaul to be part of the Mid Hants fleet again.
Posted: Aug 3, 2017 @ 17:08:55 by Russell Newman
From reports and online information I have read No. 73096 is still at Southall Depot in West London where it is in storage there since it left the Mid Hants Railway. It was first thought that the loco was sold to West Coast Railways and was to be moved to Carnforth Depot in Lancashire but its unknown what is to happen to 73096 at this point? Weather the loco is going to move else where or put for sale is unknown?
Posted: Nov 19, 2014 @ 15:11:04 by Russell Newman
No" 73096 is being moved north to West Coast Railways base at Carnforth where it will be stored or overhauled to mainline standards.
Posted: May 25, 2009 @ 16:05:57 by
March 14th 2009- 73096 was "tragically" removed from service. While climbing the bank outside of Ropley a Cylinder-blowback caused damages which could take months and thousands to repair. Ironically the rescure engine a BR "Crompton" 33 Class, also suffered damage half way through the job.
Posted: Jul 22, 2004 @ 06:07:58 by Michael Cromey-Hawke
This locomotive is now operated by Steam Dreams to run 10 coach excursions around the South.   See www.steamdreams.co.uk web site for details.