28.05.2007

Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited (“Porterbrook”), a subsidiary of Abbey National plc (“Abbey”), has today formally handed over Class 47 locomotive No 47840 to the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group at the West Somerset Railway.

The locomotive has been repainted into its original two-tone green livery by Brush Traction in Loughborough. The original nameplates ‘North Star’ have been removed and handed over to the Railway Heritage Committee. Replica nameplates have been fitted to the locomotive.

The event was commemorated with a “North Star Special” which ran from Derby to Minehead; the locomotives last main line run before starting a new life on the West Somerset Railway.

Alex White, Operations Director for Porterbrook said “We are pleased to formally hand over this locomotive to the D & EPG and would like to thank all the parties who have been involved with this project.”

MkIII coach no 10205, a restaurant car (type RFM), was also formally handed over by Porterbrook to the West Somerset Railway Association and a commemorative plaque was unveiled by Paul Conibeare, General Manager of West Somerset Railway.