East Somerset Railway welcomes new recruit to heritage line

The East Somerset Railway (ESR) has welcomed the Great Western Railway 4555 2-6-2T to its heritage line.

It was transported to Cranmore Station near Shepton Mallet.

Elaine Green, Event Co-ordinator and Publicity, said: “Hot on the wheels of GWR loco Large Prairie 4110, which arrived at Cranmore in January for restoration, the newly rehauled Small Prairie has been loaned to the ESR from Dartmouth Steam Railway for three years during which time it will be used for hauling passenger trains at the tourist attraction.

“4555 was built at Swindon in 1924 and worked at Machynlleth in Wales, Westbury, Newton Abbot and St Blazey before being withdrawn from service at Plymouth Laira Railway Maintenance Depot in 1963.

“It was purchased in working order for preservation from BR in 1965 since when it has resided at the Dartmouth Steam Railway (where it was renamed ‘Warrior’) until its move to Somerset.”

Photo credit: Elaine Lavender

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