Over the weekend, LNER V2 No. 4771 Green Arrow moved from Locomotion Shildon to the new Danum Gallery and Museum in Doncaster.
4771 will join 251 in Doncaster thanks to the partnership between the National Railway Museum and Doncaster Council.
Green Arrow was built at Doncaster Works in 1936 and was the first V2 class to be built. 4771 was also the last surviving BR 2-6-2 locomotive, being withdrawn from service in 1962.
Sir Nigel Gresley designed the V2 locomotive from the LNER A1/A3 and Green Arrow last steamed in 2008 when the boiler certificate expired.
Both 251 and 4771 Green Arrow will remain part of the national collection and have been loaned to the new museum on an initial three-year deal.
The above video from Charlotte Graham shows the timelapse arrival and unloading of Green Arrow at its new home.
Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “The incredibly popular Green Arrow, together with the No. 251 locomotives, will spearhead a remarkable display of our great railway heritage, with many enthralling items going on public display for the very first time. They tell a compelling story of the golden age of steam and the major contribution Doncaster has made to the rail industry.
“In March, we plan a special online preview of Danum Gallery, Library and Museum to give people a taste of what they can experience once it's right for us to open the building. It will be a community asset packed with cutting edge services and local and national collections of significance and importance.
“It's a great achievement to have delivered this public building during these difficult economic times and signals our intent and ambition for Doncaster. It will be a joy to behold.”
Andrew McLean, Assistant Director and Head Curator at the National Railway Museum, said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside Doncaster Council to share the story of this fascinating locomotive. In the longer term, we still see an operational future for Green Arrow, as outlined in our operational vehicle strategy. But for now, to see this locomotive to return to where it was built will be a sight to behold.”
Chris Barron, speaking on behalf of the Trustees of the Doncaster Grammar School Railway Collection, said: “This is the culmination of what we have worked on for several years. The new rail heritage centre gives the opportunity for everyone to see this unique and important collection for the first time. We have been grateful that Hall Cross Academy has continued to house the collection for over 70 years, but the problem was that few people ever got to see it.
“Although we can only display a small fraction of the entire catalogue, in partnership with Heritage Doncaster, we will be able to rotate the displays on a regular basis. This collaboration between the Council and the National Railway Museum means two great Doncaster-built engines will provide a great setting for these treasures. Our aim is to make this Centre a recognised place of discovery for railway heritage, something that has been missing from this railway town for too long.”
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