NEWS

The National Railway Museum in York has invited the Bodmin and Wenford Railway
to provide a base for its famous Drummond T9 loco – nicknamed “the Greyhound”

The  engine now at the B&W is unique in that it is the sole survivor of its class, all  fifty of which were built for the London & South Western Railway before 1900. This particular example – numbered 30120 – last appeared in Cornwall at the head of a special train commemorating the LSWR in the early 60’s, and such is its fame that it has been immortalised by the model company Hornby.

Right - 30120 sits in the loop at Bodmin General Station

Roger Webster, General Manager of the BWR said “It is particularly fitting that this historic loco should have returned to Bodmin, as it spent many years of its working life on the North Cornwall route from Exeter Central to Padstow, the so-called ‘withered arm’ of the Southern Railway. On many occasions, it was shedded overnight at Wadebridge, before hauling the return service the following day. We are delighted that York has approached us in this way, and the T9 will be stable-mate to our other Victorian engine, the Beattie well-tank, of 1874.”

Someone else particularly pleased to see 30120’s return is Tony Hallworth  of St. Mabyn, who started his railway career as a young fireman on board this particular engine back in the 1960’s, shovelling approximately two tons of coal per journey. “The T9’s were wonderful engines,” said Tony – “they were free-steaming, and would run like the wind – beautiful!”. Now a volunteer engine driver with the B&W, Tony added, “I’m really looking forward to driving the Greyhound once more – and especially if we are able to take her back along the valley to Wadebridge again - that would suit me down to the ground!”

The locos previous location was the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, 30120 will be subject to some light work before being on view to the public by the start of the season at Easter. After that, it is expected that it will  be sent by the Railway to the Flour Mill engineering works in the Forest of Dean for a full examination to consider the possibility of restoring it to full working condition, this considerable cost of this work would be met by the Bodmin and Wenford Trust if  it goes ahead.

It seems the B&W is building an enviable reputation for its historic locos and rolling stock. In the January edition of the national magazine “Heritage Railway”, Robin Jones commented, “The presence of the T9, a class long associated with the ‘Withered Arm,’ will further reinforce Bodmin’s position as a living museum of Cornish railway heritage”.