After appearing in light steam during the summer of last year, 4079 “Pendennis Castle” has now made a full return to the rails at the Didcot Railway Centre, following its extensive overhaul by the Great Western Society.
Withdrawn from service in 1964, and exported to Australia in 1977, the Castle saw extensive service 'down under' before its final steamings were conducted in 1994. Owners, Hamersley Iron, were hampered by the rising maintenance costs, and the modernisation of Australia's rail network; ultimately forcing their hand and 4079 was kept static and stored. A decision was made, and agreement reached, to donate "Pendennis Castle" to the Great Western Society at Didcot, with the locomotive arriving back on UK soil in July 2000. After a period on display, 4079 was taken into the workshops under the care of a small but dedicated group, to begin its long journey back to steam. Eventually, 28 years after it last steamed, 4079 has emerged complete locomotive once again. This also marks the first time in over 45 years that 4079 has hauled public services on UK soil.
The day featured many celebrations and highlights to appropriately mark the occasion. GWR sent their ”Pendennis Castle”, Class 57 - 57604, to Didcot to be displayed alongside 4079. A handful of public figures were also in attendance, such as ‘The First Lady of Steam’ Lady Judy McAlpine - widow to former owner of 4079, Sir William McAlpine.
The launch of "Pendennis Castle" saw the Didcot Railway Centre packed with enthusiasts, all turning out to witness the icon of British steam in action. The day began with 4079 on display outside the engine shed; solely at first, and then positioned alongside 57604. From here, 4079 moved to the turntable, where speeches were given by notable figures related to the locomotive; including the grouping of everyone involved in the overhaul standing aside the fruits of their hard work. Afterwards, the 'Castle' would feature on the main demonstration line before retiring back on shed, once again displayed beside 57604.
4079 stands as testement to the continued dedication and hard work demonstrated by all those involved in its exhaustive and thorough overhaul. And also, in memoriam to those who sadly passed away before they could see the locomotive returned to steam.
Locomotives:
GWR 4073 'Castle' Class - 4079 "Pendennis Castle"
GWR Class 57 - 57604 "Pendennis Castle"
1340 "Trojan" and Class 14 - D9516 were also in service, but eluded the cameras.
All footage filmed on Saturday the 2nd of April 2022.
Негізгі бет Pendennis Returns | Didcot Railway Centre - 'Launch of Pendennis Castle' 02/04/2022
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