Flagship SVR loco 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ moves under own power

The overhaul of the 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ by Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has reached an important point.

On Wednesday 11 May, the engine moved under its own power at Bridgnorth – the first time in 36 years

“We’ve waited many, many years for this moment,” said Martin White, the SVR’s head of engineering. “And even though the loco only moved as far as the MPD yard signal and back, this still marks a rather momentous step in getting it back into service.

“There’s now a list of things that need to be fettled up, that have been identified during the day. But importantly, there is also a list of things that at this stage have worked fine, crucially the brakes and the injectors (for putting water into the boiler.)

“There’s plenty still to do, but hopefully all of the team associated with the overhaul can go home with smiles on their faces as ‘Hagley Hall’ has taken another step towards completion.”

The SVR has not made any firm commitments on when the locomotive will be tested out on the line, nor when it’s expected to be back hauling passenger services, but the indications are that both goals will be reached in the coming months.

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