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Strath's going loco for engine's historic return to duty


By Tom Ramage

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Strathspey is set to steam into history after a momentous restoration job on a beloved locomotive which has cost over half a million pounds and years of blood, sweat, tears and TLC.

STEAMING BACK: LMS 5025 has been restored in an epic project in Strathspey
STEAMING BACK: LMS 5025 has been restored in an epic project in Strathspey

“The return to service of LMS 5025 on the Strathspey Railway after its major overhaul is the result of several years of fundraising and engineering work,” said Neil Sinclair, chairman of the WEC Watkinson Trust, as the engine prepared to get back to work again on July 27 after 28 years.

“The trust is extremely grateful to those who have funded the work, which has cost £520,000, including the Lottery Heritage Fund, the Strathspey Railway Company, the Strathspey Railway Association, the Strathspey Railway Trust and the many people who have given donations,over several years.”

Completion of the restoration of the engine is also due to the skill and many hours of hard work by the Strathspey Railway’s engineering staff and volunteers headed by Nathan Lightowler, engine shed foreman, and the WEC Watkinson Trust led by Paul Blount, project manager for the overhaul.

“This has been the most significant engineering work carried out on a locomotive in the Highlands since Lochgorm Works in Inverness was confined to light repairs in 1929.”

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