The SVR Class 14 Company Limited has welcomed a unique shunter, Class 07 No. D2996, to its fleet of locomotives.

The Class 07 will relocate to Bridgnorth and will be owned and maintained alongside BR Class 14 No. D9551.

D2996 was built in 1962 and was one of just 14 locomotives built for work at Southampton Docks.

D2996 worked largely out of public view at Southampton Docks until withdrawal in 1973. Thankfully, it then moved into industrial use, which ultimately ensured its survival into preservation.

The locomotive’s current owners have restored the locomotive and want to see the locomotive move to a home where it can be operated and cared for.

D2996 will add variety to the diesel fleet and will have the role of being a low-speed shunter that will be suited to station limit and yard duties.

The locomotive will also serve as an educational exhibit to tell the storyof the dockside.

As part of an agreement between the SVR Class 14 Company Limited and the Severn Valley Railway, basic maintenance of D3586 at Bridgnorth will be completed by the team.

Another announcement about another shunting locomotive at Bridgnorth will be released soon.

With an additional locomotive now in their care, the SVR Class 14 Company Limited has released shares to allow funds to be raised. More information can be found on their Facebook page.

“We have the opportunity to give D2996 a new lease of life, and we look forward to the challenge having experience in Paxman engines along side our wider company partners this makes a practical and sensible decision”

Gary Williams, Chairman of the company

“Whereas some might see this as a distraction from our long-term goals, we see it as a way of giving something back to our home railway. It also provides a far more practical approach to shunting operations at Bridgnorth, allowing the locomotives to be used in rotation—something that simply makes sense.”

Jack Walker, Vice Chairman of the Company