HELP US KEEP OUR FLAGSHIP ENGINE IN SERVICE

2025 is the celebration of 5619's 100th Birthday but it is also its last year in service before the expiry of its ten year boiler certificate.

This will require a full strip down of the locomotive to allow an in-depth inspection of the frames and boiler, before the required work can be completed.

The cost of the overhaul is estimated to be in excess of £100,000 so all donations towards the work are greatly received. 

5619 is an essential part of TSR with it being the engine which founded the railway but also starring in The Polar Express™ Train Ride each Christmas. Without the loco, an external engine will have to be hired in costing the railway over £800 each steaming. 

With your donations we hope to bring 5619 back into service as soon as possible.

History

GWR Class 56xx 0-6-2T No. 5619 was designed by Charles Collett and built by the Great Western Railway at their Swindon Workshops in March 1925. She was designed to haul heavy coal trains and other freight in the South Wales valleys, but could also be seen hauling passenger trains as well.

5619 was withdrawn by British Railways in June 1964 and sold to Barry Scrap yard, which it entered in September 1964. After 8 years and 8 months 5619 left Barry scrap yard in May 1973, when she was bought by The Telford Development Corporation (TDC) for static display at Horsehay Goods shed. However, Telford Horsehay Steam Trust (Telford Steam Railway), which had been formed in 1976,  convinced TDC to allow the trust to restore the locomotive to operational use, and it first steamed again in 1981. 
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The engine went out on hire for many years, due to being too large for our running line at the time. However, when the extension to Lawley was completed allowing us to run The Polar Express™ Train Ride she returned home to help generate vital income for the railway.

5619 New at Paddington, 1925

5619 operating at Telford, 2024

What Work is Required ? 

5619 has worked hard over the past ten years visiting many heritage railway across the country, and pulling over 100 services during Christmas when its back home at Telford. Having the loco running our regular services at TSR has allowed us to assess the engines condition to begin planning the work that will be required when its boiler certificate expires at the end of the year. 

Considering the amount of work the engine has done it is in remarkably good condition, however there is still plenty of work that is required to give her another 10 years of life.

The boiler will need to be removed for overhaul, including re-tubing. It has been noted that the tires on the loco are beginning to wear down, meaning a new set of tires on the driving wheels are required. A full repaint of the motion, tanks and cab will take place to make her look as good as new. A new ashpan will need to be constructed along with a new smokebox door. The axle boxes and bearings will also need full refurbishment. These and many other tasks will help bring our beloved engine back into service.

Your Donations

We need your help to return 5619 to traffic as soon as possible. Being a fully volunteer led organisation, the TSR has worked tirelessly to keep the engine in traffic for her 100th birthday.

Your donations will allow us to begin the overhaul of the loco as soon as she leaves traffic at the end of the year and ensure that she is back in steam as soon as possible. The overhaul will be conducted through a mixture of external contractors and TSR volunteers to keep a good balance of cost and productivity.

​Without your donations the overhaul wouldn't be possible at this time, so we are extremely grateful for anything you can give.

5619 and her crew, 2024