Unique steam loco that hasn't operated since 2012 to run on Severn Valley Railway this year
One of Britain's most powerful steam locomotives, that hasn't pulled a train since 2012, will be seen on the Severn Valley Railway this year.
The unique express passenger engine, 71000 Duke of Gloucester, will be tested along the heritage railway once its overhaul is completed this year as part of a new partnership its owners, the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust, and the Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust, which will operate it on private excursion trains on the main line.
Currently under overhaul at Tyseley in Birmingham, the 70-year-old loco will eventually move to Crewe where it will be based for the next 10 years.
Originally designed to be the first of a new class of express passenger engines, Duke of Gloucester was the only example of this type of engine ever built as British Railways moved from steam to electric and diesel traction.
After just eight years of service the loco was withdrawn and sent to a South Wales scrapyard, but was saved in 1974 by preservationists who then spent the next 12 years restoring it.
However, it's now been 12 years since Duke of Gloucester last steamed, ever since it failed whilst hauling a private excursion train in Hampshire.
Once the loco has passed its tests at the Severn Valley, it will move to Crew, from where it will be operated by Locomotive Services Limited and will Saphos Trains’ railtours, many of which run in Shropshire.
Jeremy Hosking, Trustee of the Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust and Chairman of Locomotive Services Limited, said: “We are delighted to have been given this wonderful opportunity to work with a like-minded organisation, who clearly share our passion for the protection and careful use of iconic steam locomotives.
"71000 is a locomotive with a unique story, offering a vision of what might have been. It is clearly supported and managed by a professional, dedicated, and enthusiastic team, whose outlook is forward-thinking whilst also pragmatic, values we hold dear at RSL> and within the Locomotive Services Group. I very much look forward to seeing 'The Duke' heading our restored Mark 1 coaches for everyone to enjoy.”
The Severn Valley Railway’s managing director, Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster added: "We’re very much looking forward to welcoming 71000 to the Severn Valley Railway later this year, and hosting the testing of this important locomotive.
"As a heritage line, we enjoy a strong partnership with Locomotive Services Group, who’ve brought several engines to our line for testing in recent years. The ‘Duke of Gloucester’ will follow a visit from No 60532 ‘Blue Peter’, which LSG are sending here for testing in the coming months. Contracts like these bring in very welcome revenue to the SVR, and we’re delighted to be working closely with Locomotive Services Limited."
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