No. 5775, well known for its starring role in The Railway Children film in 1970, has been in the restoration queue at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
The locomotive was taken out of service in 1999 and returned to Haworth in 2022 for assessment ahead of its restoration.
A huge donation of £200,000 has been made anonymously to the restoration of the 1929-built locomotive.
The donation has been an amazing boost to the project, and its overhaul is progressing.
The wheels have been re-tyred and repainted, with the boiler sent to Riley and Sons in Bury and the axle boxes sent to the Severn Valley Railway.
A new cylinder block pattern has been produced, with its casting set for completion early this year.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the donor for their generosity, which has allowed us to get this historic locomotive’s restoration under way.
“While the major components are being worked on, our volunteers are busy cleaning, painting and refurbishing parts and fittings ready for reassembly.”
Fran Hartley, co-leader of the 5775 restoration project
Responses
Looks like Duck the Great Western Engine also has a famous brother! I loved the film! Cant wait to see it in action!
This is great news. The 1970 film is a firm favourite, as proved by the huge success of the live performance on the line last summer. I go to a lot of live theatre, and this was one was exceptional. I would hope the restoration can help boost the railways’ visitors, and perhaps help other lines as a visiting ‘star’.