LOCAL steam train enthusiasts will be able to see the last surviving engine of its kind on the West Somerset Railway (WSR) in May.
The engine, a 111-year-old Caledonian Railway 0-4-4 tank No. 419, has visited several heritage railways but has not been seen in the west of England before.
A spokesman for WSR said: “The blue-painted visitor will star at the WSR’s four-day Spring Steam Gala from May 5 to May 8, joining the home fleet of locos in providing an intensive timetable of services, including non-stop trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead - some double-headed - rarely-available trips to Norton Fitzwarren, and demonstration goods trains.
“Other attractions include the chance to see the work at the and engine shed in Minehead as well as the resort’s turntable in use, while Stogumber station’s restored cattle dock will be officially re-opened.”
Tank engine No. 419 was built in Glasgow in 1907 and used on branch lines, fast suburban trains, and shunting duties.
It was taken over by the old London, Midland and Scottish (LMS) Railway and then by British Rail before being sent for scrap in 1962.
It was rescued by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, restored to full working order, and repainted in its original blue.
WSR was due to hold celebrations marking the return to full services in Minehead and the modernisation of the Seaward Way level crossing this weekend.
Due to a high number of Covid cases in the area, this event has been postponed.
Timetabled trains will run as scheduled and there will be a number of displays, stalls, and live music at the station throughout the weekend.
The Seaward Way level crossing was upgraded last year with the installation of four new barriers, which were damaged on Friday, February 18 during Storm Eunice.
The barriers were repaired and were back into full working order by a team of West Somerset Railway staff and volunteers at the beginning of March.
A WSR spokesman said a detailed assessment of the necessary work had been undertaken soon after the storm, and experienced technical staff from the railway were then called in to carry it out.
He added: “We appreciate how substantial the unexpected repairs were and the carefully-planned and highly-skilled job that was carried out by our team in a very short time.”
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