The restoration of one the last working steam trains in East Anglia will take a major step forward this weekend.
The Mid Suffolk Light Railway, known affectionately as ‘The Middy’, will be testing the rolling chassis of its locomotive, no.1604, tomorrow – the first time since the refurbishment began.
The train will be coupled to the railway’s special guest locomotive, another Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST, and pushed and pulled up and down the line when it is clear.
Engineers will next focus on repairing the last major component – the boiler – and bosses hope the 90-year-old engine will be back in service by the end of next year.
The project has been made possible thanks to the opening The Middy’s lottery funded Restoration Shed last year.
Visitors are invited to the watch the testing of the 1604 tomorrow at Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket.
The heritage railway is open between 11am and 5pm.
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