Pendennis Castle returns to action at Didcot
Iconic steam loco with links to The RM is back in traffic after almost 30 years.
IN THE words of Didcot Railway Centre CEO Clive Hetherington, the Great Western Society’s base was a “sea of smiles all day” on Saturday, April 2, when No. 4079 Pendennis Castle was formally relaunched.
Since the iconic GWR 4-6-0 returned ‘home’ from Western Australia in July 2000 (last working in October 1994), it has undergone an extensive restoration at Didcot. In 1977, the loco had been sold by Sir William McAlpine to Hamersley Iron in Australia, operating enthusiast specials there until October 1994.
Return from Oz
In need of extensive repairs, a new home was needed – one option being to plinth it at Dampier, home of the Pilbara Railways Historical Society. In September 1998, however, The
RM’s then editor Nick Pigott got involved after receiving a call from Tom Winterbourn, who was involved with Dampier and worked for airline Quantas.
Nick played a pivotal role in securing the loco for Didcot, saying: “I am overjoyed that No. 4079 is running again. I am full of admiration for the team at Didcot for their dedication and perseverance to get it done. If it was not for Tom picking up the phone, none of this would have happened.
“As a journalist, this was an exclusive I could only have dreamed of. I sat on this story while negotiating in confidence with Didcot and Hamersley for 13 months. It was the most nerve-wracking exclusive I have ever had. It all paid off. It is a great example of a magazine helping to create, not just report the news.”
Ribbon cutting
The relaunch began with
No. 4079 lined up with its namesake Class 57 No. 57604 Pendennis Castle, which was present thanks to the support of TOC Great Western.
No. 4079 then moved onto the turntable for the ceremony, which saw a ribbon cut by Lady Judy McAlpine, wife of the late
Sir William, who wore one of his straw hats to give him a presence.
No. 4079 then worked public trains on the centre’s ‘main line’ until 15.00, before moving on shed with the Class 57 until the diesel departed at 16.00.
Being only the second time the loco had moved under its own power since its rebuild, a short snagging list was identified on April 2. An issue with the cylinder drain cocks was repaired in time for the following day’s service.
No. 4079 is to remain at Didcot for this year and is planned to operate on steam days when the centre has two locos in steam.