The Avon Valley Railway has said that fundraising is continuing for the overhaul of steam locomotive Littleton No. 5.

Recently, an effort by volunteers has seen a start on dismantling the locomotive ready for the assessment into its overhaul.

However, the second lockdown in England has stopped all work, but good progress has been made on the project.

Manning Wardle No. 5 ‘Littleton’ was built in 1922 for the Littleton Collieries Ltd, north of Cannock. They were the first locomotives designed for Industrial use.

One loco was named Littleton No. 4, the other, Littleton No. 5. Ownership was transferred to the National Coal Board after nationalisation in 1947 and was used until 1972 when it was withdrawn and was purchased by Mr R Hibbert.

It was moved to the Foxfield Railway in October 1972 before moving to the Great Central Railway in 1973; it was then steamed on until 1980 when its next overhaul was due.

It was moved to the Avon Valley Railway before another overhaul was completed. After overhaul, the loco entered service in 1985 and worked up until the turn of the century when the locomotive was sidelined awaiting expensive repairs.

If you would like to donate towards the project, please visit the Avon Valley Railway’s Virgin Money Giving page by clicking here.

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