Steam loco makes debut after 10-year restoration

A steam locomotive has made its first official appearance following a 10-year restoration project by volunteers.

The 1960 loco, a class 62 engine from the former Yugoslavia, was brought to the UK in 1990 and was moved to Shillingstone, Dorset, in January 2016.

The restoration was completed by Project 62 - a team of volunteers who are also working on another class 62 locomotive - 30076.

The restored engine 30075 made its debut on Sunday as a Santa special at the newly completed line extension at North Dorset Railway.

Project 62, which is based at Shillingstone but is separate to North Dorset Railway, is made up of rail enthusiasts working to preserve and restore two Yugoslav Class 62 versions of the USA 0-6-0 S100 locomotive.

Both were used for shunting freight and raw materials at steelworks in the former Yugloslavia, at Zenica and Ljubliana.

Project 62 chairman John Rice said: "Together we have overcome many challenges and a few setbacks along the way but always remained focused on achieving our goal.

"It was brilliant to enjoy the results of our efforts and was a truly memorable day to finish a memorable year for Project 62."

After delivering Santa to the station and waiting children, 30075 shunted its fellow loco into a siding for its restoration which is expected to take a further 10 years and cost more than £130,000.

Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the closure of the line.

In 2005, a group of locals took on the station lease and began restoration work, initially opening a museum, which is free to enter, and cafe.

In July, North Dorset Railway completed a four-year project to double the length of the track to half a mile (0.8km), with the aim of one day offering brake van rides to museum visitors.