In the next few weeks, the London and South Western Railway 2-4-0T No. 30587 will be returning to its iconic home of Bodmin in Cornwall.

The news of 30587’s return was announced at Bodmin and Wenford Railway‘s China Clay Gala last weekend. For many years, the 149-year-old locomotive was synonymous with the area, hauling china clay traffic on the original Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway. It is a survivor of the area’s railway heritage and has been deeply missed since it has been on display at the National Railway Museum in York.

After many months of negotiations, an agreement has been reached between the Bodmin Railway and the National Railway Museum for 30587 to move from York to Bodmin on an initial 3-year static loan agreement. The Bodmin Railway hopes that in the future this could lead to an overhaul and running agreement.

For now, the Bodmin Railway is pleased that 30587 will be returning to Bodmin, where for the next 3 years it will be displayed on Platform 2 on selected days. When not on display, will be housed under cover in the running shed.

30587 was originally delivered to Bodmin by sea in 1895, as at that time the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway had no connection to London and South Western Railway Its route to Bodmin now will be by road and a lot easier route. However, transport costs are not cheap, with the first move being extracted from the National Railway Museum at York via the mainline.

It is estimated the cost to move 30587 from York to Bodmin will be around £7,000, and the Bodmin Railway has set up a fundraising appeal for this purpose. Donations can be made via this link, or if anyone wishes to donate in a different way they are asked to contact the railway by email at [email protected]

Before 30587 went on display at the National Railway Museum, it went on loan to the Avon Valley Railway, and the Bluebell Railway.