J94 68030
BR J94 68030
The Project
Built in 1952 for the National Coal Board by the Hunslet Engine Company, as works No.3777, to the design used to supply to the Ministry of Defence. Austerity 0-6-0Ts were also built for British Rail service and classified as J94 – although it was never in BR service, 3777 has carried the BR number 68030 for much of its life in preservation (the real 68030 was built by the Hunslet Engine Company in 1945 and was scrapped in 1962).
The loco spent its early preservation days based on the Churnet Valley Railway, but has also spent time on a number of other heritage railways including the East Lancashire Railway, Llangollen Railway, Strathspey Railway, Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Crewe Heritage Centre.
Last ran around 2017, it was stored on the Churnet Valley Railway in readiness for an overhaul, but due to problems the locomotive moved back to the Llangollen Railway. In March 2022 the boiler was transported from Llangollen to Heritage Rail Traction in Manchester for a contracted overhaul.
In August 2023 the locomotive was donated to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and the chassis, saddle tanks & cab were moved to Grosmont MPD and stored for completion of the overhaul.
An agreement was reached with the NYMR regarding the overhaul of J94 0-6-0ST 68030 where it was decided that NELPG will overhaul the frames, wheels, motion, tanks and cab in our works at the 1861 Shed, Darlington.
The J94 departed New Bridge, Pickering by low-loader and arrived with us on 21st July 2025. The loco was shunted into the 1861 Shed that same day.
The main bulk of the work will begin in earnest after the J72 is finished and before the P3 comes due for overhaul in 2028, thus providing continuity of work in 2026 and 2027 for the Hopetown workforce.
If you would like to get involved in this exciting new project please contact us – we look forward to welcoming you. Although the project is expected to involve a wide array of engineering work and associated skills, help and assistance will be readily available to newcomers.
