The Swindon & Cricklade Railway has announced that they have come to an agreement with the 6695 Locomotive Ltd to move ex-GR 66XX No. 6695 to Blunsdon Station.
The locomotive was originally based at the Swanage Railway, however, the locomotive was damaged in an incident with a low lowder when moving to the West Somerset Railway gala in 2015. 6695 has been based at Williton ever since.
6695 was built for the Great Western Railway by Armstrong Whitworth and was completed in October 1928. Her first shed was Tyseley, before moving to Leamington in April 1929.
6695 then moved to South Wales in 1939, mainly being based at Landore (Swansea) and at Swansea East Dock. Withdrawal for the locomotive came in 1964 when she was sent to Dai Woodham’s Scrapyard.
6695 will complete her overhaul at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway and will be the railway’s main locomotive whilst they start work on the overhaul of resident locomotive Tkh 3135 “Spartan”.
6695’s overhaul is scheduled to be completed in spring 2020. It is hoped that the locomotive will star at the S&CR’s Steam Gala on 28th & 29th March 2020.
What did the officials say?
Nigel Clark, a member of 6695 Locomotive Ltd, said
“She was due to be withdrawn at the end of 2015 for her planned 10-year heavy overhaul, so it was started early to also tackle the repairs needed. Following the WSR’s difficulties, our 25-year agreement with them was recently terminated.”
Allan Bott, Publicity Manager for the S&CR mentions,
“This is fantastic news for the S&CR and gives us a much-needed morale boost following the recent departure of Owsden Hall. We recently hired 5619 and have been commended for maintaining it and keeping her in running order. Having 6695 Locomotive Ltd move here is a testament to our hard work and we look forward to working with 6695 Locomotive Ltd for many years to come.”
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