A popular Isle of Wight Steam Railway locomotive is set to receive an action-packed send-off at Havenstreet later this month before embarking on a tour of mainland railways and undergoing a £200,000 overhaul.
Ivatt locomotive 41313 has been running for 10 years following its first overhaul in railway preservation but now requires further work to secure another 10-year boiler certificate.
The overhaul and subsequent running-in period is expected to take 3 years.
With several other locomotives currently undergoing overhaul and restoration at Havenstreet, the work on 41313 is being entrusted to the Cranmore workshops at the East Somerset Railway.
Its sister locomotive, 41298, is currently nearing completion at Havenstreet and is due to return to service next year.
Before 41313’s overhaul begins, the locomotive will spend its final months in steam undertaking a grand tour of mainland railway galas.
It is set to visit the Severn Valley Railway, West Somerset Railway, Watercress Line, Bluebell Railway and East Somerset Railway.
The tour will help raise the locomotive’s profile and funds towards the £200,000 cost of its overhaul.
Before heading away, Havenstreet Station will host a special ‘Send Off’ event on 27th August.
41313 will operate passenger services during the day, while visitors will be given access to the railway’s locomotive works, where sister locomotive 41298 is nearing completion.
There will also be an opportunity to get up close to 41313, with a limited number of exclusive footplate rides available ahead of a send-off ceremony.
Further details are available from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway on Facebook.
