Uncertainty over 2818 movement

There is still no date for the move of ‘28XX’ No. 2818 to Swindon following its de-accessioning from the National Railway Museum. In the NRM’s press release of August 11 2017, announcing the engine’s transfer to STEAM Museum in Swindon, it stated: “2818 is expected to arrive in Swindon later this year once the legal transfer is complete.” However, as this issue went to press, No. 2818 was still at Locomotion, Shildon – more than three months after the original target move date. Asked whether the transfer was still to go ahead and if so when, Frances Yeo, who is leading the transfer on behalf of Swindon Borough Council, told Steam Railway: “STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway are working with the NRM on the transfer of 2818. We do not yet have a date for the locomotive to arrive in Swindon.” It is understood that STEAM is still preparing its invitation to tender for No. 2818’s road move from County Durham.