Kitson 0-6-0ST Austin No. 1 makes its Somerset & Dorset Railway debut on July 3, working the 14.45 service from Midsomer Norton during the line’s Summer Mixed Traction Gala.
PETER NICHOLSON
FORMER Austin Motor Company 0-6-0ST Austin No. 1 took centre stage at the Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust’s (S&DRHT) three-day Summer Mixed Traction Gala on July 2-4, marking a welcome return to operation of the Llangollen Railway Trust (LRT)-owned locomotive.
The Kitson-built machine (5459/1932) was the subject of an overhaul and repaint at Llangollen immediately prior to its move to Midsomer Norton, arriving resplendent in the Austin Motor Co’s green livery and complete with cabside crests.
Completion of the overhaul served as a symbol of intent for the LRT as it worked to secure the future of the Dee Valley line; the loco’s summer hire to the S&DRHT will bring in muchneeded revenue that will help further the LRT’s reopening plans.