Steam test complete for steam locomotive 5199 at Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway

Rich Hiscox, from the West Somerset Railway, has told RailAdvent that Ex-GWR Large Prairie No. 5199 has arrived at the West Somerset Railway.

The first job was a full mechanical inspection of the locomotive and also a steam test, which was completed at Bishops Lydeard on the 21st December 2020.

The locomotive has passed its steam test, and the locomotive has been given a clean up so she looks spick and span once again.

Its next move will be a light engine test movement from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on the 31st December 2020.

5199 at Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway — Credit: Rich Hiscox

Once the light engine movement to Minehead has been completed, the locomotive will receive winter maintenance so it is ready for the 2021 season at the West Somerset Railway.

The West Somerset Railway have hired in 5199 thanks to an agreement between The 5199 Project and The West Somerset Railway PLC. The locomotive will be based at the WSR until the 31st December 2021 having moved from the Llangollen Railway earlier in December 2020.

Upon announcing the move, Jonathan Jones Pratt, WSR PLC Chairman, told RailAdvent: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming 5199 back to the WSR, having a large Prairie on the line is very much well suited and will fit in well with our other home engines.”

“We are particularly looking forward to welcoming the group back again who have always made the WSR feel very welcome across a very valued working relationship. I am sure this news will be appreciated with all our staff and volunteers as it shows the WSR is getting back to operating again! The important mile stone recognition as we have worked through 2020’s challenges.”

Rich Hiscox, from the West Somerset Railway, told RailAdvent: “5199 arrived last Thursday from Llangollen after having a full mechanical examination was steamed today to ensure everything is ok before running light engine to Minehead on 31st December, once at MD it’ll receive winter maintenance and next run during the WSR 2021 season”

If you would like to keep up to date with the ongoings behind the scenes at the West Somerset Railway, why not join the WSR Mechanical Engineering Dept News Facebook Group?

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