WyvernRail PLC, who operate the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, has announced that they have reached an agreement with JJP Holdings South West Ltd over the hire of GWR Pannier 9466.

Thanks to the agreement, Large Pannier No. 9466 has become the first resident operational Ex-BR steam locomotive at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

The locomotive is scheduled to be based at Wirksworth until its boiler ticket expires in 2025.

The EVR enjoyed a busy first week with the popular locomotive. However, due to the new lockdown, services have once again come to a halt, though this excellent news means there is plenty of opportunities for visitors to come and have a ride behind this locomotive.

Michael Evans, Managing Director of WyvernRail plc, the company who own and operate the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, told RailAdvent: “We are thrilled to have 9466 become our first operational ex-BR steam locomotive. It is fantastic that this fine locomotive will be part of the growth of the railway for the coming years as we look to operate more steam services. It is a very uncertain time at the moment, and it is great to have such positive news.”

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, Chairman of JJP Holdings South West Ltd, told RailAdvent: “We have been made to feel extremely welcome at EVR, and we feel particularly pleased that agreement has been reached to have 9466 as a resident at this wonderful line. It is exciting that we are able to be part of the interesting journey this railway is taking over the forthcoming years and I am sure 9466 will play its own part in the railway’s success.”

About 9466

One of the last designs produced for the GWR by Hawksworth. The class first appeared in 1947, just before the GWR became the Western Region under British Railways.

9466 was built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns in 1951, with the engine being allocated to Worcester (85A) in early 1952.

The class was unfortunate in that diesel shunters were increasing in number, starting to replace the 94XXs from the late 1950s onwards. 9466 lasted until Summer 1964, where the engine was withdrawn and sold to Barry Scrapyard.

Saved from Barry in 1977, 9466 returned to steam at Quainton Road Railway Centre in the Mid 1980s. Throughout preservation, 9466 has run on both mainline and preserved lines. The tank currently wears BR Unlined Black with Early Crest.

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