The owners of Class 52 locomotive D1048 Western Lady are to donate it to the Western Locomotive Association (WLA).
D1048 will become the WLA's third Class 52 Western, alongside D1013 Western Ranger and D1062 Western Courier.
Western Lady will stay at the Severn Valley Railway, where it was recently showcased in the Autumn Diesel Bash, while it is fully assessed. The WLA will ask its members if they would like the locomotive to return to working order, if that is possible.
For now, WLA's priority is to return D1013 Western Ranger to service next year.
Glad to see it is staying at SVR with the WLA, and as said fair play to the owners for giving it to the WLA, I am sure it’s a win win as the original owners will no doubt become members and stay aligned to 1048, just now with the help of others and great facilities on hand when needed. I have just joined the WLA as a show of support.
If structurally sound there is no reason why she should not be made operational again, she’s in good hands and I’m sure sensible decisions will be made.
Was this Loco built at Beyar Peocock Gorton Manchester if so I helped to paint it
Nope built BR Crewe
I live to far away to help but could maybe make a small financial donation
Great news
I had shares in the former D1048 Western Lady Ltd. Then sold them to Mr Waterman who was going to restore it (but this never seemed to happen?). So it’s great to see it now with the WLA. as a member I would have thought it should be the WORKING members who decide if they can keep 3 Westerns and 6 Maybachs going. Not guys like me who live to far away to help!
Very good point. WLA relies heavily on a few dedicated working members. They’ve already restored and completely rewired 2 Westerns, it’s a lot to ask them to do a third without some more help
Brilliant news! No disrespect to the previous owners, but fair play to them for gifting the loco. It is obvious the loco is now in ‘Good Hands’ and at least will be well looked after.