West Country Wadebridge prepares for main line return

THE overhaul of Bulleid West Country 4-6-2 No. 34007 Wadebridge is going ahead, with a view to returning it to the national network.

The decision to proceed was made in December by the locomotive’s owner, Wadebridge (34007) Locomotive Limited (in which the MidHants Railway Preservation Society holds the majority shareholding).

No. 34007 has been partially dismantled and inspected at Ropley Works and a schedule of work prepared, including the removal of the middle cylinder. “Thanks to the generosity of Wadebridge’s Swiss patron and benefactor, Alexander Choremi, there are sufficient funds not only to get the overhaul underway but to also set the ambition of a return to main line running,” said a statement from the owning group. “The work will be planned and conducted with this in view, under external engineering scrutiny and with the necessary documentation being assembled.”