The Battlefield Line has announced that GWR ‘Small Prairie' No. 5526 will be visiting them for their Winter Warmer Gala.
The visit of 5526 will be for one weekend only between the 4th and 5th January 2020.
The visit of 5526 is thanks to the South Devon Railway, where 5526 is based.
What do you think of this visiting locomotive? Let us know in the comments below!
More Information on 5526
5526, a 2-6-2T, is a GWR 4575 Class Locomotive. Built in May 1928 at Swindon Works, first stabled at St Blazy and ending up at Westbury shed.
5526 was withdrawn in June 1962.
Brought by Barry, spending 23 years rusting away at their scrapyard.
Rescued in 1985, 5526's new owners moved her to Swindon where restoration commenced.
5526 Ltd, based at Buckfastleigh, where 5526 was moved to and restoration was finished. The South Devon Railway has been 5526's home ever since.
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As a war baby in outer North London (LNER) territory I cannot claim any geographical allegiances towards the former GWR, but from my limited knowledge they did not produce many (if any at all) ‘duds’, and if they did, they did not perpetuate them. My feelings about Mr Churchward’s designs are of admiration, and this specific example, a later development from the earlier, highly successful 45XX class is one of those gems that despite being ravaged by so many years languishing in the salt-laden air of Barry scrapyard, is an absolute credit to it’s saviours and restorers. As much as I would relish the opportunity to witness 5526 on it’s visit to the Battlefield Line’s “Winter Warmer” gala on the weekend of 4-5 Jan 2020, I would have to be realistic and say now that I am currently experiencing health problems that are likely to prevent me from making the journey, but I would like to pass on my good wishes to the organisers and all others involved (as well as 5526 itself!) for a highly successful event – and a Happy New Year!