Birmingham’s Lorna Doone back in steam for Amerton Railway gala

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A 2ft steam locomotive that was displayed at the Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry prior to the museum’s relocation and relaunch as Thinktank, has returned to steam at the Amerton Railway.

Lorna Doone, Kerr Stuart Wren 0-4-0ST No. 4250 of 1922 moved from the museum’s former Newhall Street home in February 2003 on long-term loan to the Staffordshire line. With permission for restoration to working order obtained in 2009, the work began in early 2010.

The locomotive hauled its first passenger trains in preservation over the weekend of June 30 and July 1 during the railway’s summer steam gala.

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Kerr Stuart Wren Lorna Doone hauled its first passenger trains in preservation at Amerton’s recent gala weekend and is now back in action after an absence of around 60 years. KIERAN HARDY

Having spent more than three decades in the ownership of Devon County Council, the locomotive’s last operator, Lorna Doone has been restored to the appropriate lined green livery. The lining and lettering has been applied using traditional techniques by Martyn King of
Vimart Signwriting.

Other performers at the gala included Kerr Stuart 0-4-0T Diana and, visiting from the Statfold Barn Railway, Quarry Hunslet 0-4-0ST Sybil Mary and Hudswell Clarke GP39 (formerly Bronllwyd). Bagnall 0-4-0ST Isabel and Hunslet (No. 3095 of 2008) Wren class Jennie were unavailable, as both are stripped down for major boiler examinations and re-tubing.

Read more News and Features in Issue 244 of HR – on sale July 27!

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