A major restoration of the National Railway Museum Collection’s locomotive D6535 has been completed at the Great Central Railway, securing the future of one of Britain’s most historically significant early diesel locomotives.

Carried out by the 5305 Locomotive Trust, the restoration has returned the locomotive to operational condition, following extensive structural and cosmetic work. Visitors will be able to see D6535, now carrying its later number 33116, in traffic at the Great Central Railway’s Autumn Diesel Gala, where it is due to work alongside visiting Class 33 locomotive 33103.

The guest locomotive is attending courtesy of Nemesis Rail and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. D6535 is also expected to appear on selected operating days before the gala.

D6535 entered service in December 1960 and later served at Eastleigh, Stewarts Lane, and Old Oak Common after an initial allocation to Hither Green. Named Hertfordshire Railtours in 1993, it was withdrawn in 1998 following a shunting accident and selected for preservation in the National Collection.

Since arriving at the Great Central Railway in 2005, the locomotive has undergone extensive work to address severe corrosion caused by years of outdoor storage, ensuring its long-term preservation.