Attraction 'like mythical Egyptian tomb' resurrected after fears it had been lost
A historical steam engine echoing the allure of a "mythical Egyptian tomb" has been resurrected after many feared it was swallowed by history. After almost 10 years of meticulous restoration, it now resides on the coastline as its new sanctuary.
"The Newstead", an impressive industrial steam locomotive discovered at a convent, has begun its next journey along the coastal tracks.
The 1929 treasure emerged from obscurity at a Carmelite convent close to Ware, Hertfordshire, in 2016. It made its grand return to action at North Norfolk Railway in Sheringham this past Saturday following a laborious nine-year overhaul.
Enthusiastic about the momentous occasion, Alex Alder, the owner of the train, told BBC: "After nine years of efforts, for the very first time ever she pulled passenger trains. It was absolutely incredible."
Alex likened unearthing the engine to uncovering "of a mythical Egyptian tomb", reports the Express.
Birthed by the Hunslet Engine Company in Leeds back in 1929, as per details from North Norfolk Railway, the locomotive enjoyed an illustrious but finite career before the National Coal Board retired it in 1972.
Having been a jewel in the crown of vintage vehicle enthusiast Malcolm Saul since the late 1970s, this classic engine was enshrined within a custom-built shed to shield it from the ravages of British weather.
After Malcolm's passing in 2015, his treasured engine was thought to be a relic of the past, that is until it re-emerged from the shadows. "I fully never expected to be driven down a Hertfordshire country lane, following a wild tip off about a lost engine. I could never have imagined taking tea and biscuits with [a] mother superior at a convent, and hearing of 'Malcolm's engine'.
"But there it was in this convent in Hertfordshire, 39 tons of miracle," he continued. Alex explained that resurrecting the locomotive set him back by roughly £200,000, a labour of love that harnessed the dedication of volunteers for nine years.
The North Norfolk Railway has announced their plans to put the revived locomotive to good use, drawing passengers between Sheringham and Holt. General Manager Graham Hukins couldn't hide his joy, proclaiming it "absolutely wonderful" to witness the engine come alive in Sheringham.
"The engine that was stuck in a nunnery, lost for years, everyone thought it had been scrapped. This weekend is the very first time it has been paired with passenger carriages, and it is an absolute delight to have it join our working fleet."
Being involved in this remarkable recovery and seeing the engine chuffing once again holds special meaning for them, particularly as they mark half a century of railway operations at North Norfolk Railway.
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