The East Somerset Railway (ESR) and Isle of Wight Steam Railway have announced that Ivatt class 2 No.46447 will be overhauled again at Cranmore, followed by a further ten-year running agreement at the ESR.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s General Manager Steve Backhouse says “We’re very happy to continue our strong working relationship with the East Somerset Railway. This agreement is in the best long-term interests of 46447 and will see the locomotive continue steaming for a further period.”

The East Somerset Railway’s Engineering Manager Steve Masters says “It seems like only yesterday that the ‘Barry’ restoration back to full working order was completed, but in reality, the ten-year boiler ticket expires as soon as next year! The loco has been fantastic for the ESR for both the staff and the public who enjoy coming to see and ride behind her. We are extremely pleased to have agreed this extension to our very good working relationship between the two railways.”