A bygone railway workhorse needs a final shunt of fundraising to complete a £250,000 overhaul transporting her back 101 years.

Eastern Daily Press: J15 loco overhaul - how it will look when finished to the near original Y14 specificationJ15 loco overhaul - how it will look when finished to the near original Y14 specification (Image: Archant)

The last surviving J15 has been a regular sight on the North Norfolk Railway for 40 years as one of its founding fleet of locos hauling happy holidaymakers past seaside scenery.

But during her working days the all rounder engine pulled freight and passenger trains right across the region.

Her latest major overhaul will convert the engine back to its near original guise as a Y14, with minor differences including a canvas cab roof, and royal blue Great Eastern paint livery.

Owners, the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway Society, build up a kitty for such overhauls through the steaming fees it charges the heritage line for using the loco.

But it suffered a blow when a £100,000 Heritage Lottery Grant application was turned down, leaving them having to find the remaining cash elsewhere.

Chairman Neil Sharpe said the loco was 'in a bit of a mess' suffering from rusting bodywork, making strange noises, and some damage from 'an argument with some buffer stops.'

The major overhaul included the boiler and the mechanical running gear. Work had started using the existing funds, and the loco was in pieces at the repair works in Bury, while the society sought to find the remaining funds.

A plea to society members brought in an amazing £50,000 in 14 weeks, and there was now a 2014 push for the other half of the balance.

'Members have been terrific, with donations from £5, from people I know can ill-afford it, to £5,000 from a big supporter. Another person gave us a load of model trains from his late father for us to sell.'

The next fundraising push also allows people to sponsor parts on a shopping list ranging from £15 washout plugs, and £25 boiler clack valves to £75 for the overhaul of the whistle and leaf springs.

'It's not often we ask for financial assistance, but it we really need help to finish this important project to get Y14 back steaming by September,' said Mr Sharpe.

'She's a really popular loco and the crews like her because she is easy to fire and drive, - and she looks the part,' he added.

? One off donation cheques can be sent the M&GN Society Joint Railway Society, care of Neil Sharpe, 3 Fairmile Close, Worlingham, Beccles, NR34 7RN.

For more details of the appeal, including part sponsorship visit www.mandgn.co.uk.

To chart the progress of the follow the appeal and overhaul follow it on facebook www.facebook.com/MGNSociety, or @mgnjointrailway on Twitter.