The Plym Valley Railway (PVR), which runs between Plym Bridge and Marsh Mills, has written its own bit of history after it purchasing a fully-operating steam locomotive.

After launching an appeal to buy ‘Albert’, an Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 saddle tank, from its private owners, railway supporters as well as local people organised fund-raising events reaching £31,180, well on the way to the £40,000 target.

As a result, PVR now owns an operational steam engine and has reached one of its long-term goals.

‘Albert’ has made regular appearances on the line, which runs along the route of the former Great Western branch line from Plymouth to Tavistock and which was closed in 1962.

Once the announcement came from the owners of ‘Albert’, Mr and Mrs Liddicoat, that they were putting the engine up for sale, alarm bells started to ring signalling the possible end of steam on the preserved line. Knowing that buying, hiring or restoring a locomotive would be financially challenging, the company launched the SOS – Save Our Steam – appeal.

An event, which will formally hand ‘Albert’ over to the railway as well as provide a thank you to all who contributed to the purchase, will take place later in the year.  Meanwhile the SOS appeal will close on Thursday 1 February

Aaron Cooke, Director of Motive Power and Rolling Stock at the railway, said:  “Knowing how important a steam engine is but also knowing we couldn’t possibly afford one as a company we launched the SOS appeal. We did wonder if SOS would be successful as past efforts to raise money have not always been so. This time I can honestly say a massive thank you and I’m so pleased how well we have all done.

“The Plym Valley Railway Association has given SOS a massive amount. The Plymouth Scouts did a fantastic event for us which raised a large amount of money. Bernard Mills, who I am sure we all know and have seen his many books, did a fantastic evening for us. And to all of you who have put your hands in your pockets and donated, thank you.”