 Locomotive no 34046 NEWS Following final completion and certification to main line standard, the locomotive will return to the West Somerset Railway which will be the main operating base for all main line and preserved railway operations. [11-Aug-11] Braunton re-entered service on the West Somerset Railway on Tuesday 9 August. It is now paired with its new BR style 5,250 gallon tender, which replaces the Merchant Navy tender no from 35027 Port Line previously on loan. The new tender was built by West Somerset Restoration at its Williton works, and is similar to the tender no 3261 which was attached to Braunton throughout its BR service following rebuilding of the engine in February 1959 until withdrawal in October 1965. The original tender was sold on from Woodham Bros, Barry to a South Wales steelworks where it was subsequently scrapped. The new tender carries the same number 3261.  Braunton is expected to remain in service on the WSR until the end of the WSR peak timetable in September. It is also due to feature at the Late Summer Weekend event on Sat 3 and Sun 4 September. Work will then be completed on commissioning the air brake system and preparing for main line test running. Until this work has been satisfactorily completed, the engine will not be available for any main line tours. ---ooo--- Home page |