The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway has announced that today they have begun a cosmetic restoration of Lancashire and Yorkshire ‘Pug’ No.51218 at Haworth MPD.

The locomotive has been out of service for many years, awaiting its turn in the overhaul queue – so it will be brilliant to see it on display again. It is hoped it will be on display during the 50th Anniversary Gala in 2018.

The cosmetic restoration will not mean that the locomotive will be in service, but will look back to its former self with a fresh paint job and will look in place at the Gala.

We are glad ‘Pug’ is taking part in the gala, as it was the first locomotive to arrive at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

Below is the video from the KWVR Facebook page:

A brief history on No.51218

No. 51218 was built at Horwich in 1901 and was numbered L&Y No.68. It was later given the number 11218 in the grouping and gave 63 years of service before being withdrawn in Neath, South Wales in 1964. Two of these engines survive to this day and both are owned by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Trust, although No.19 is on a long-term loan to the Ribble Steam Railway in Preston.

51218 was the first locomotive to arrive at Haworth in January 1965 – it was soon restored and became a favourite among the visitors. It appeared at the Shildon Cavalcade in 1975 where it rubbed buffers with Flying Scotsman.

51218 will not run again until the boiler has had a 10-year overhaul which will commence once 752 is complete.

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