The Nene Valley Railway (NVR) has announced that GWR 56XX Class No. 5619 has been hired to operate trains along the line.

About 5619

No. 5619 is the oldest preserved member of the 56XX class, being built at Swindon Works in March 1925. The 56XXs were primarily built to replace the hundreds of engines taken over by the GWR in the 1923 grouping.

None of these engines followed standardisation practices which were established by GWR. This, therefore, lead to the GWR deciding to build a new class of tank to operate over the newly absorbed lines. The 0-6-2 wheel arrangement proved popular with most of the absorbed companies, leading to the GWR incorporating the wheel arrangement into the design of the 56XXs.

5619 was eventually withdrawn in June 1964, where the engine was then sent to the famous Barry Scrapyard. The engine was later restored and has been seen running on various heritage lines across the country.

5619 at Nene Valley Railway

The locomotive is due to arrive at the NVR shortly, 5619’s main duties will be hauling regular train services between Wansford and Peterborough station. 5619 will also be available for Driving Experience courses while at NVR.

• Visit the Nene Valley Railway website
  For more information