Following a dispute between the West Somerset Railway (WSR) and the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust (S&DRT) which saw 7F no. 53808 move to the Mid-Hants Railway in 2020, the two sides have reached a final signed agreement which will allow the locomotive to be restored in Hampshire.

The settlement has ensured that the S&DRT have now been freed from all previous agreements with the West Somerset Railway regarding the maintenance and overhaul of 53808, but secures a payment plan to reimburse the S&DRT for past financial commitments totalling £210,000, which is to be repaid over a five-year period.

This announcement will bring about a prosperous moment for the S&DRT as they can finally start the overhaul of the 7F.

As of next spring, the tender of the locomotive will begin its overhaul at Ropley where extensive repairs will need to be carried out before work on the engine will begin.

The boiler is also in need of repair and plans are already in place to ensure that work to be done can be carried out as swiftly as possible.

Assessments of both the loco and tender frames will also be carried out to ensure they are fit for another 10 years in service.

The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust is counting on continued support from its members and others to raise the remaining funds to get 53808 back into service, so the sight and sounds of a 7F had at work running up through ‘The Alps’ can be heard once more as a testament to the locomotives original working route through the Mendip Hills.