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* The historic Small Prairie 5532 back in its heyday.
The highly anticipated Llangollen Railway Branch Line Gala will take place from Friday-Sunday April 11-13 offering visitors a rare chance to see the historic Small Prairie 5532, which once hauled the train carrying Kind George VI, up close.
For the first time in over two decades, the locomotive is being moved from its restoration bay and placed on public display at Llangollen Motive Power Depot.
This marks a significant milestone in its restoration, providing a unique opportunity for railway enthusiasts and the general public to witness the progress first-hand.
Built at Swindon Works in June 1928, Small Prairie 5532 was initially based at Reading before being allocated to Stourbridge Junction, serving across the West Midlands.
Over its working life, it was stationed at Worcester, Evesham, and several other key locations across the Great Western Railway (GWR) network, including Aberbeeg, Pontypool, Oswestry, Bristol Bath Road, Swindon, Westbury, and Laira.
One of its most notable moments came in 1941, when 5532 hauled the Royal Train carrying King George VI from Monmouth Troy to Ross-on-Wye during the Second World War, highlighting its historical significance.
Withdrawn from service in 1962, 5532 was sent to Woodham Brothers Scrapyard in Barry, where it remained for two decades before being rescued.
Restoration began in the 1990s, with the locomotive's frames moved to Llangollen Railway’s new engine shed in 1997. Since then, dedicated volunteers have worked on key components.
Much of the chassis, bunker, and cab work is completed, while the boiler restoration, now underway at Tyseley Locomotive Works, represents the final major hurdle.
Peter Robson, 5532 Chairman of Trustees and Treasurer, said: "This is a significant moment for us, as it’s the first time in over 20 years that the locomotive has been moved on its rolling chassis. I personally contributed to the restoration when I helped rivet the bare frames all those years ago. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this historic engine on display, and I’m thrilled that visitors will have the chance to see it up close."
With renewed volunteer support since late 2023, progress has accelerated, and the team is eager to push forward with the final restoration phase. The final push to steam is within reach, but the team needs further support to complete the project.
Paul Bailey, Trustee and Head Fundraiser, said: "We’re displaying 5532 to raise awareness of the project. The locomotive is now close to completion after more than 30 years of restoration. We aim to have the boiler returned from Tyseley by Christmas and hope to see 5532 fully assembled by late 2026 - funds permitting. We still need to raise £32,000 to make this happen and bring 5532 back to steam for the first time in preservation."
The team is calling on railway enthusiasts and history lovers to donate and help complete the restoration. Every contribution brings this historic engine closer to steaming through the Dee Valley once again.
* For more information on 5532 or for information on how to donate to the 5532 restoration project, visit: www.5532.co.uk
For more information on the Llangollen Railway Branch Line Gala, visit: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/branchline-gala/
Branch Line Gala events are summarised below:
• Visiting locos 6880 “Betton Grange” & Class 14 D9525.
• Pannier tank 7754, GWR 2-8-0 3802 and Kitson 0-6-0 "Austin 1"
• 5532 on static display outside the MPD at Llangollen for the first time since 1997
• Sunday 13th to have a South Wales theme
• Brakevan rides
• Shed tours
• Footplate rides
• Express runs between Llangollen and Corwen
• Real ale bar at Llangollen
• Food and craft stalls
• Tearoom at Berwyn
• Tearoom & Porters bar and viewing deck at Glyndyfrdwy along with a new porter’s trolleys and sack barrow museum display
• Book stalls, picnic area & tuck shop at Corwen
• 80072 society shop at Carrog
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