GER No.229 (Neilson 2119/1876) restored

After a very long time out of the public eye, under overhaul at the Flour Mill, it looks like this former Stratford Works shunter will soon be back in action for 'Titans of Steam' at Hopetown (20th Sep - 5th October.)

The 'Hopetown Darlington' Facebook page says:
Another titan, albeit a little smaller than most, has joined the lineup of Titans of Steam!
Built by Neilson of Glasgow in 1876, the GER 229 has not been steamed since 1948. It has been overhauled at the Flour Mill Locomotive Works in the Forest of Dean and its appearance in Darlington will be its operational debut!

A more detailed biography, including industrial service in Chepstow from 1917, is at:
Neilson & Co Works No 2119 Great Eastern Railway 229 0-4-0ST – Preserved British Steam Locomotives

 

I remember Her at North Woolwich Old Station Museum. The building is now used as a church.

 

I think the Mid Suffolk would make a perfect home for her

 

That's interesting, we visited there yonks ago. One of those buildings you'd like to pick up and reuse on a heritage line somewhere...

 

If anyone is interested!

 

Remember going there when I was a youngish teenager and was first allowed to go to London on my own - change at Richmond off the 4VEP and I think a 2HAP the whole length of the North London Line. Happy days!

Tom

 

I'm sure I remember seeing the loco from a train whilst crossing the bridge over the river.

 

I first saw it at Fairfield Mabey in 1968. I don't think I've seen it since.

 

That was my first sighting.