So an opportunity to share some details about Big Jim. Purchased from Poland as No Tr.203.474. Big Jim is the combination of several engines. The basic locomotive was built by the Lima engine works in Ohio in 1945, makers number 8758 and registered as USATC No 5820. The boiler however was built with the with the builders number Alco 73427, fitted to USATC No 4435 confirmed by the smokebox mounted workplate. So we have a mix of a Lima locomotive with an Alco boiler. Swapping boilers and frames was not unusual and was of course common in UK practice and especially so in Poland. The intention always being for the parts to be standard and interchangeable regardless of manufacturer. I believe also that one of the frames shows Baldwin whilst the other shows Lima. Well Churchward designed engines for the GWR with just such interchange ability. Though of course plate frames were inseparable left to right.
Examination of the engine shows that Alco was the leading manufacturer of the majority of 5820. I am informed that 5820 was delivered directly to Poland in 1946 though records of the engine do not begin until 1947. A comprehensive record book came with the engine from the Polish operators. During 1976 the prospective buyers were informed that locomotive No Tr.203.474 was at Katowice shed in the south of Poland. It was at that time 'ex works' after what we would call and intermediate overhaul and the driving wheels still showed the tool marks from having been turned. So to cut a very long story short the engine was purchased and shipped from Szczecin in Poland to Hull, arriving at Howarth on the 9th of November 1977.
Some work was necessary as the engine had returned to service in Poland for a short time prior to shipment to the UK. A steam test in 1978 revealed a cracked cylinder end cover which was replaced by a new one manufactured locally. Other repairs included a bogie spring and replacing a small number of firebox stays. The engine entered service on 19th March. In June the boiler was passed fit for mainline working with a minimal amount of work and so could travel over the mainline to Shipley where the engine turned on the triangle for the shooting of the film 'Yanks' for which it carried the number 2820. The engine continued to give good service on the KWVR.
Following withdrawal at the expiration of its boiler certificate, the engine was laid aside until a lengthy restoration was undertaken. After a thorough overall the engine returned to service in February 2014, temporarily painted in British Railways unlined black, fictitiously numbered 95820. For the Easter holiday 5820 regained its number and authentic USATC grey livery and is regularly seen working trains along the branch.
Many thanks to many sources for the above text including KWVR and RN Higgins with AJ Green.
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