Hagley Hall’s return advances

THE boiler for the Severn Valley Railway’s flagship GWR ‘Hall’ No. 4930 Hagley Hall was reunited with the 4-6-0’s rolling chassis at Bridgnorth Works Boiler Shop on December 8. A week later, No. 4930 was joined to its gleaming Collett tender outside the boiler shop, and then drawn slowly through Bridgnorth station into the Works Yard by Class 08

No. D3586.

After a trial fitting of the new chimney casting was made, Hagley Hall finally headed inside for its cosmetic appointment within the paint shop.

Although much work remains to be finalised in the next few months, it is cause for celebration that another major milestone in the locomotive’s long-running restoration has been passed. The ‘Hall’ last steamed in October 1986.

BOB SWEET No. 4930 Hagley Hall at Bridgnorth on December 15.

JOHN TITLOW ‘STANDARD’ BECOMES A PRAIRIE: New-build BR ‘3MT’ No. 82045 became a 2-6-2 on December 6, following the fitting of its front and rear pony trucks at the Severn Valley Railway’s Bridgnorth works. The 82045 Steam Locomotive Trust is hoping the loco will steam in the second half of 2023. Visit www.82045.org.uk for details of how you can support the project.