Telford's Rocket loco steams back into service
A vintage steam locomotive has rolled back into town after a year and a half in the repair shed.
Telford Steam Railway's steam engine Rocket has been away for 18 months, being refurbished at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham.
But now the Peckett 040 locomotive, built in 1926, is back and ready for the heritage railway's new season, which starts in the first week of April.
Kevin Jones, who looks after traction and rolling stock at Telford Steam Railways, said: "We've been missing a steam locomotive for some time. All the other trains are diesel ones – still vintage, but I don't think they have the same appeal as a steam locomotive."
Mr Jones, who acted as project manager for the overhaul, said the railway had acquired the locomotive about eight years ago and it was the first time it had been away.
He said: "Every 10 years you have to do an inspection of the boiler, which means you have to strip the locomotive down.
"We've also been working as volunteers alongside the specialists there. It's a fairly straightforward process transporting it, but expensive.
"It was dragged up on to a special lorry with railings on, and then we used a locomotive to couple it up and drag it off at this end.
"We'll have another nine and three quarter years out of it before it goes away again.
"We're pleased it's back. Please come along and have a ride behind it."
For more information visit www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk
