The Dean Forest Railway has confirmed a change in ownership for two of its locomotives, no. 3806 ‘Wilbert’ and no. 3823 ‘Warrior’.

‘Wilbert’ is now wholly owned by the supporting Dean Forest Railway Society, which first acquired a 50% share in ‘Wilbert’ in February 2021, enabling the locomotive’s boiler to return to Norchard.

With the boiler due to be reunited with the frames in early 2026, ahead of cosmetic restoration, the remaining share has now been transferred for a nominal fee.

Restoration work is expected in 2027 following planned 2026 carriage overhauls and repaints, with support from Accurascale through sales of its sold-out OO gauge model. 

Meanwhile, ‘Warrior’ has been sold to a private owner for future restoration at the line. Long stored in parts at Lydney Junction and Norchard, the locomotive has not yet steamed in preservation.

However, with a sale to a private owner, hopes for the future see a restoration and life running as a heritage locomotive in due course.

“Wilbert is a key part of Dean Forest Railway history, but unfortunately has been stored out of use for ten years. While a full restoration to working order is going to be an expensive undertaking sometime in the future, we look forward to having the locomotive cosmetically restored and back on display for the public to enjoy.”

Tim McLennan, Chairman, Dean Forest Railway Society.