Restored locomotive 2807 set for GWR railway comeback

Volunteers have spent 29 years restoring the 2800 class locomotive

A hundred-year-old steam locomotive, which has been restored by volunteers over the last 29 years, is set to return to service in Gloucestershire next week.

The Great Western Railway 2800 steam locomotive No. 2807 is to be based at Toddington on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.

It was originally built by the Great Western Railway at Swindon in 1905. Volunteers have been working on its restoration since 1981.

I have been involved in the restoration for over 15 years and so I'm delighted that the locomotive is now running on a railway near to where I live. Steve Price

Steve Price from Cotswold Steam Preservation Ltd. explained its recent history: "The locomotive was withdrawn by British Rail in 1963 and languished at Woodhams scrapyard at Barry until 1981.

"During its life it was allocated to sheds at Bristol, Hereford and Worcester, amongst others.

"The bit of railway that now makes up the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway was also built by the Great Western Railway around 1905.

"Because the locomotive was shedded close to Toddington it would have used that line from time to time."

Most of the active restoration team members live in the local area, and the volunteers have photographic evidence of the locomotive at Toddington in 1956.

'Delighted'

Steve Price said he's thrilled that No. 2807 will now be steaming through Gloucestershire's countryside once more.

"I have been involved in the restoration for over 15 years and so I'm delighted that the locomotive is now running on a railway near to where I live.

"It's a great way to bring our heritage to life in a way that members of the public can get involved in.

"The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a popular local attraction and so many many people will be able to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of an operating steam locomotive, and ride on trains hauled by steam power."