LONGMOOR LIVERY FOR SOUTHERN LOCOMOTIVES’ ‘AUSTERITY’

Southern Locomotives Ltd’s ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST ‘Norman’ will return to traffic in Longmoor Military Railway livery later this year – for the first time ever – at the Spa Valley Railway.

Although the 1943-built locomotive was based at Longmoor from August-December 1944, it never received the LMR’s distinctive blue, red and white livery, and remained in the khaki colour it wore from new.

However, in a nod to its association with Longmoor, SLL

– which also owns a quintet of Bulleid ‘Light Pacifics’ and BR ‘4MT’ 2-6-4T No. 80104 – has said that ‘Norman’ will be outshopped in LMR livery as WD No. 75050, its War Department number during its time at Longmoor, when its overhaul is completed by Bryn Engineering in Bolton later this year. Once finished, the ‘Austerity’ will go on long-term loan to the Spa Valley Railway, where it will bolster the line’s home fleet, as RSH 0-6-0ST ‘Ugly’ is due to be withdrawn at the end of the year. ‘Norman’ had previously been based at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.

SLL chairman Simon Troy said: “We will earn significant hire fees, which are essential bearing in mind the cost of this overhaul, and our sponsor was keen to have the locomotive based closer to the south of England where the majority of our shareholders live.

“Whilst not as glamorous as the Bulleids, ‘Norman’ has made a significant contribution to the coffers over the years, and its future earnings will undoubtedly help with the raising of funds for [the overhaul of BR ‘4MT’ 2-6-4T] 80104 and [the restoration of rebuilt ‘West Country’ No. 34010] Sidmouth.”

The SVR is to welcome a second visiting locomotive this year, in the form of former SLL-owned ‘4MT’ 2-6-4T No. 80078, from February 15-March 29, courtesy of owner Stewart Robinson. It will be the third time the ‘80XXX’ has graced the SVR, following visits in 2004 and 2017.