Vintage Trains has confirmed that GWR Castle No. 5043 ‘Earl of Mount Edgcumbe’ is to return to steam within the next two weeks.

The news comes after the loco’s 10 year overhaul was completed at Tyseley Locomotive Works. The locomotive was due to return in 2021, however, when 7029’s superheater header failed, 5043’s header was used to keep 7029 in service.

With no spare four row superheater in existence, a new drawing, pattern and casting had to be made – a costly and time consuming process.

Trials within the depot will now take place before the loco has a light engine test run to Stratford-upon-Avon and return. Following this, a loaded test run will also run.

The Castle is set to haul its first mainline train on the 4th March, when it will double head with 7029 Clun Castle on a CBS Shareholders Special to Didcot to join up with 4079 and 5051 at Didcot for a lineup.

After this, 5043 will then join the Vintage Trains pool of locomotives, with the locomotive set to haul The Shakespeare Express, including a morning run on Sunday 15th June.

The Castle 100 Open Weekend at Tyseley is expected to feature 5043, and takes place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June.