One of the steam locomotives that used to operate in the Longbridge works of the Austin Motor Company is to haul trains on the Cambrian Heritage Railways (CHR) at Oswestry in Shropshire for the remainder of this year’s running season.

The steam locomotive is an 0-6-0 saddle tank named Austin 1 and will be used on weekend train services between Oswestry and Weston Wharf, departing from Oswestry station at 11.00, 12.30, 14.00 and 15.00 each weekend until early September.

On Saturdays, there will be additional diesel-operated Brewery Evening Services that can be used by anyone wishing to extend their visit or wanting to travel to Stonehouse Brewery for a meal or a drink.

Tickets will be available for purchase from Oswestry station on the day. Tickets for unlimited travel cost £8 adults, £5 for children, and £7 for concessions; Family Tickets are also available.

For more information on Cambrian Heritage Railways and its operating calendar can be found at www.cambrianrailways.com

Austin 1 was built by Kitson and Company of Leeds as works number 5459 in 1932 for the Austin Motor Company of Longbridge in Birmingham.

In 1973 it was purchased by Burtonwood Brewery on behalf of the Flint and Deeside Railway Society and stored at Prestatyn in North Wales until the society moved to Llangollen in 1975 where Austin 1 is normally based.

As well as this visit to Cambrian Heritage Railways, in recent years Austin 1 has also made guest appearances at Peak Rail in Derbyshire, and The Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton in Somerset.

We are excited at the start of our summer steam service. The attraction & nostalgia of steam enhances our heritage railway appeal which can be enjoyed all day with our excellently priced tickets, these offer unlimited travel for the day of purchase.

Robert Williams, Cambrian Heritage Railways Chairman