50017

Heard Neil Bodens Bought Royal Oak

 

Reposted on Facebook by someone else and so second hand:

It's with mixed emotions that I'm announcing that 50 017 'Royal Oak' has been sold subject to contract to Boden Rail Engineering Ltd and will be leaving the Plym Valley Railway in the next few weeks.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped to restore and run 'Royal Oak', without whom it would have been impossible to do, from a rusting unloved loco to what we have today.
I've made many new friends and acquaintances during the five years that I've owned 50 017 and hope that these friendships continue. It's been said that 'Royal Oak' is a caged animal at the Plym Valley Railway, well now hopefully we will all be able to see and hear her galloping back on the main line soon.
There was a planned running day on July 13th for 50 017, this will now not be available, nor will any other dates be available before her departure.
Once again a heart felt thanks to everyone who's helped, we should all give ourselves a huge pat on the back for what we've achieved given the constraints that we've had to work with.
I wish Neil all the very best with 50 017 'Royal Oak' and look forward to a cab ride soon.
David Cunningham

 

Race 'oss pulling a milk cart. Not knocking Plym Valley at all btw but dont think second field diverts would have had chance to kick in. On the other hand fair play to Mr Cunningham got it running and out of that awful LMS Style Livery!