Loco chugs back to old hall
An historic steam locomotive returned to its namesake stately home to mark the train's new role as a museum exhibit. An historic steam locomotive returned to its namesake stately home to mark the train's new role as a museum exhibit. The No. 4930 Hagley Hall locomotive was transported to the grounds of Hagley Hall, near Stourbridge, yesterday for the occasion. Since no railway lines pass through the hall's grounds, the engine, which is owned by the Severn Valley Railway, arrived at the site on board a low loader. The impressive locomotive was built by Charles Collett in 1929. It was in service for decades on the Great Western Railway, clocking up more than 1.3 million miles and passing Stourbridge at high speeds on numerous occasions. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
The No. 4930 Hagley Hall locomotive was transported to the grounds of Hagley Hall, near Stourbridge, yesterday for the occasion.
Since no railway lines pass through the hall's grounds, the engine, which is owned by the Severn Valley Railway, arrived at the site on board a low loader. The impressive locomotive was built by Charles Collett in 1929.
It was in service for decades on the Great Western Railway, clocking up more than 1.3 million miles and passing Stourbridge at high speeds on numerous occasions.
It has been owned by Kidderminster's Severn Valley Railway since 1972.
The locomotive was one of a series created by the Great Western Railway named after halls and stately homes in the area.
Bosses from the attraction have organised the event to celebrate its return to the railway as part of its new £5 million tourist centre in Highley, called The Engine House.
It will be one of up to 10 steam locomotives forming a major part of the public display at the new visitor and educational centre, which opens its doors on August 1.
The locomotive has spent the last eight years inside the glass walls of a shopping complex in Swindon.
It last ran in service on the 16-mile Kidderminster-to-Bridgnorth steam railway almost 21 years ago, in October 1986, and was then withdrawn, pending a overhaul.
It has run more than 33,000 miles while in SVR ownership.
The locomotive was given a VIP reception by the Dowager Viscountess Cobham – former round-the-world yatchswoman Lisa Clayton – who has carried on management of the hall since the death of her husband Viscount Cobham in July 2006.
