Replica ‘Bloomer’ displayed again after decade inside Wolverton works

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by Phil Marsh

THE 1991-built static replica LNWR 2-2-2 ‘Bloomer’ has been placed back on public display after a decade languishing inside Wolverton Works.

The static replica LNWR ‘Bloomer’ in its new home at the entrance to Milton Keynes Museum after a decade inside Wolverton Works. PHIL MARSH

The engine was built in 1991 and made by works apprentices as engineering training exercise. It was originally displayed outside Milton Keynes station to celebrate the town’s railway heritage.

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The non-working replica ‘Bloomer’, numbered 1009 and named ‘The Wolvertonian’, had been commissioned by Milton Keynes Development Corporation for display in the new town’s Station Square.

Its official unveiling was performed by actor Jon Pertwee, the third Dr Who, who performed a classic bloomer by referring to “Wolverhampton’s” illustrious railway history.

It was allocated number 1009 and named Wolverton, but while on display, its appearance suffered from the elements and attention from local ‘artists’, so it was taken back into Wolverton Works in 2006 for a cosmetic overhaul.

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