The Great Central Railway has announced that GWR 4073 ‘Castle’ No. 7027 ‘Thornbury Castle’ will be restored at their base in Leicestershire.
The present owners, JJP Holdings, has announced today that the locomotive has been sold to a private buyer.
The new owner is a significant supporter at the Great Central Railway, has also confirmed that it will not be made available for mainline tours.
7027 requires major restoration, which will be carried out at Loughborough works.
The locomotive is currently based at the West Somerset Railway’s Willerton depot and will be transferred to Loughborough by road later this month.
What did the officials say?
Jonathan Jones-Pratt (JJP) said
“We are obviously sad in many ways to lose this iconic engine from the Group but, at the same time, very pleased as I always wish to see the right decision being made for these wonderful engines. For me, this is a good move for Thornbury and we have been pleased to play a key part in ensuring the engine is restored as a Castle and we are satisfied that there is the right commitment to rebuild the engine to the right standard. We wish the Great Central team well with the project and, personally, I welcome the chance to help them along the journey. The engine will now leave the WSR over the coming weeks for her new home where I am sure the team will be waiting to get started!”
GCR’s Managing Director, Michael Gough commented
“We are very excited that this iconic locomotive is coming to the GCR and very proud that the new owner has chosen to have it restored in our works and for it to run here at the Great Central once completed. This is a major project and will involve significant hours and expense but we are ready for the challenge and looking forward to its arrival next week.”
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Almost a new engine given what is left. Look forward to seeing this one day. I hope there are lots of updates on progress online. It will be fascinating to watch. One of the last two batches but already 70 years old now.