An assessment has begun for A1X Terrier ‘Knowle' to determine what work is needed to bring the locomotive back to service this year.
The Kent and East Sussex Railway based locomotive has not been used in service since 2022 when it failed and was subsequently withdrawn from service.
Knowle is currently on stands at Rolvenden Works with its wheels removed to allow a full examination by the team.
It is hoped that sufficient repairs can be made in time to allow the locomotive to make limited runs possible during the golden anniversary year.
K&ESR General Manager Robin Coombes said: “We don't want to raise everyone's hopes too much as this is not a full overhaul; it is an attempt to repair ‘Knowle' so that she would be able to run well enough for ‘gentle' duties, perhaps during some of our special 50th anniversary events.
“We are currently assessing how realistic this aspiration is. We will have more news in due course. It would be a wonderful bonus to have ‘Knowle' with us for at least some of our celebrations.”
