Restored loco on track for tourist line (From The Advertiser Series)

Restored loco on track for tourist line

12:10pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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RAILWAY supporters hope to have their newly restored steam loco in service this weekend.

Volunteers at Weardale Railway have spent thousands of pounds reconstructing a 55-year-old former National Coal Board engine to carry tourists along their five-mile track between Stanhope and Wolsingham. Services are already scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during August, but a trial run is also planned this weekend to coincide with a classic car show at Stanhope Station on Sunday.

The 33ft long, 55-ton loco No 40 has been repainted and has successfully completed a number of trial runs, but still needs some work on its smokebox and regulator valve.

A £53,000 grant from the Northern Rock helped the Weardale Railway Trust buy it from the Colne Valley Railway, in Essex, in 2006. The trust has raised the money for the restoration and regards the loco as its single, largest asset.

More than 100 classic bikes, cars and commercial vehicles are on show at Stanhope Station on Sunday. Trains leave Wolsingham Station for Stanhope at 10.30am, 1pm and 3.30pm.

Call Stanhope Station on 01388-526203.

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