The Telford Steam Railway has welcomed the arrival of Andrew Barclay 0-6-0 steam engine No. 2138 “Swordfish” for this year’s Polar Express trains

Due to ongoing repairs, Telford Steam Railways GWR 56XX 0-6-2 tank engine No. 5619 means that it won’t be able to haul this year’s Polar Express trains and so Andrew Barclay 0-6-0 steam engine No. 2138 “Swordfish” has been hired in to take on the job, thanks to the owner of the locomotive and the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.

The heritage railway which earlier this month saw a formal opening for its platform extension, will see its popular Polar Express trains will get underway on Sunday the 25th of November with fantastically festive journeys to visit Santa at the North Pole. Prior to the Christmas trains, ‘Swordfish’ will be fitted with a spotlight and bell in order to recreate a likeness to the well-loved locomotive in the Polar Express film.

A Telford Steam Railway spokesman said: “This is the first time that “Swordfish” has visited to our line and is something new and exciting for our Polar Express passengers to look forward to seeing and travelling behind this Christmas at Telford Steam Railway”.

To book tickets for the Polar Express please visit Telford Steam Railway’s website.