Bridgnorth shed crash locomotive declared fit for service after four months

A steam train has been declared fit for service after the locomotive crashed into a shed in Bridgnorth in July.

The 4930 Hagley Hall has been deemed fit for service following an incident that took place at the Bridgnorth motive power depot (MPD) on Sunday, July 12.

• Read more: SVR investigate as steam train crashes into Bridgnorth shed

Severn Valley Railway’s flagship locomotive has undergone technical examinations and boiler testing following the incident in July.

The steam train is now expected to return to service with a temporary tender.

Duncan Ballard, head of steam engineering at Severn Valley Railway said: “We’re very pleased with the outcome of the examinations and tests. It’s excellent news that the locomotive has come through this process and been declared fit for service.

“Unfortunately, the tender has sustained damage which will require repairs to its tank and buffer beam.

“Arrangements are now in place for this work to be carried out by a specialist contractor, and we expect the tender to return to the SVR in the spring.

“We’re extremely grateful to our colleagues at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway to the owners 7903 Limited for making the tender available. It means we can get Hagley Hall back into service without having to wait for its own tender repairs to be completed.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to see this distinctive combination in action over the Christmas and festive season, when Hagley Hall and its temporary tender will join the pool of locomotives operating our services.”