ONE of the Severn Valley Railway’s most popular engines is set to undergo an exciting restoration programme following a 27-year absence from the line. Great Western 4-6-0 locomotive 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ will depart from the Engine House at Highley – its home for the last five years – to Bridgnorth, ahead of its restoration, during an event to mark the occasion this Sunday. The engine, which is owned by Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) plc, was built at Swindon Works by the Great We-stern Railway in 1929. It was acquired from the scrapyard for use on the SVR in 1972 and after restoration worked passenger trains on the line until 1986.

The celebratory event has been organised to thank the SVR shareholders, the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust supporters and the Friends of Hagley Hall group. The restoration of Hagley Hall is a flagship project of the railway’s 2012 share offer. Nick Ralls, Severn Valley Railway general manager, said: “This is a very important milestone for the railway, along with our shareholders and the Friends of Loco 4930 Hagley Hall Group. “The locomotive is well-suited to the line and has many supporters – it will be fantastic to see it start on its journey to return to service after more than a quarter of a century. “This new restoration programme has been funded by the share offer and funds raised by Friends of Hagley Hall Group and the newly formed Severn Valley Railway charitable trust.” Before Hagley Hall’s shunt from the Engine House, 50 guests will hear speeches from Mr Ralls and chairman of the SVR, Nick Paul, before a presentation from the Hagley Hall Group.

For more information go to www.svr.co.uk