MHR’s burned-out Class 08 is transformed back to life

THE Mid-Hants Railway completed the restoration and repaint of Class 08 No. 08288 (D3358) at the end of March. This has been a huge transformation from a firedamaged wreck. It was writtenoff by the insurers following an electrical fire in 2013. The remains of the loco were bought back from the insurers for eventual rebuild as it is a historic loco for the MHR. Acquired from BR in 1984, it was used on the rebuilding of the railway. The wiring needed replacing completely, but the engine was in reasonable condition. Turned out in original blue livery and markings as historically accurate as possible, it has been given the appropriate name Phoenix. Built at BR Derby in 1957, it was of note in being the first Class 08 to receive a 1957-series ‘D’ number, D3358, from new. Its predecessor, No. D3357, also introduced to traffic in June 1957, received a 1948-series number 13357, which it carried for its first five years. No. 08288 is due to be in operation at the MHR’s June 25-27 diesel gala.