RESTORATION is due to begin on one of the Severn Valley Railway’s (SVR) most popular engines following a 27 year absence.
Great Western 4-6-0 locomotive 4930 Hagley Hall will leave the Engine House at Highley, where it has been for the last five years, to go to Bridgnorth for restoration.
An event will be held on Sunday, October 6, to mark the occasion.
The engine was built at Swindon Works by the Great Western Railway in 1929.
It was acquired from the scrapyard for use on the SVR in 1972 and after restoration, it transported passenger trains on the line until 1986.
General manager Nick Ralls said: “This is a very important milestone for the railway, along with our shareholders and the Friends of Loco 4930 Hagley Hall Group.
“The locomotive is well-suited to the line and has many supporters. It will be fantastic to see it start on its journey to return to service after more than a quarter of a century.
“This new restoration programme has been funded by the Share Offer and funds raised by Friends of Hagley Hall Group and the newly formed Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust.”
Fifty guests have been invited to the event where Nick Ralls and chairman of the SVR Nick Paul will speak before there is a presentation from the Hagley Hall Group.
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