WATCH: Return of historic steam locomotive to Strathspey line after two decades
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A locomotive which has not run on the Strathspey Railway line for nearly 20 years has made a welcome return after being restored from top to bottom.
A new chapter opened in the history of the oldest surviving Black Five when LMS 5025 recently moved under its own steam on the Aviemore-Broomhill line for the first time in 18 years.
It follows a major fundraising campaign by the owners – the WEC Watkinson Trust – and one of the most comprehensive overhauls ever undertaken on a preserved locomotive in the UK.
The engine 5025 first entered service on the Highland Main Line shortly after being built in 1934.
The loco is expected to start hauling passenger services again soon.
After repainting in its original LMS livery, 5025 is timetabled to re-enter service on the Strathspey Railway later this year.
Most of its working life was spent in North West England before the engine was purchased directly from British Railways by Ted Watkinson in 1968 for the then embryo Strathspey Railway project.
The locomotive was used to run services on the Strathspey Railway after the line opened in 1978 and also worked some special trains on the main line.
But 5025 had to be withdrawn from service in 1993 as it was clear that major work was ultimately necessary to save the loco from the scrapyard.
Strathspey Railway spokesman Graham Sutherland said there were delighted that 5025 was now back running after such a long time.
He said: "The WEC Watkinson Trust started to raise finance for the overhaul in the mid-2000s and has been greatly helped by grants from the Lottery Heritage Fund, the Strathspey Railway Company, the Strathspey Railway Association, the Strathspey Railway Trust and donations from the many individual donors who have generously responded to the appeal for funds.
"Work started on dismantling 5025 in 2010 and it soon became apparent that complete renewal of some of the locomotive’s components was necessary so the decision was taken to restore it to its ‘as new’ condition.
"The overhaul has included the construction of a new smokebox, front end frames and tender tank, a major boiler overhaul and the casting and fitting of new cylinders. Care has been taken to restore 5025 to its 1934 condition including its original chimney height."
Mr Sutherland continued: "The successful overhaul has been due to the small team of Strathspey Railway staff led by Nathan Lightowler, the railway’s engine shed foreman, and volunteers from the Strathspey Railway and the WEC Watkinson Trust."
The Black Five class dominated the working of the Perth to Inverness line from the mid-1930s to the end of steam on the route.
Meanwhile, the Strathspey Railway is increasing the number of 1st Class compartments available on its services from four to 11.
The railway is also adding its officers' saloon, which has two saloon compartments each seating a maximum of six.
The officers' saloon is self-contained from the rest of the train and is attended by its own on-board steward.
More details on the services being run by the railway company can be found here
