The iconic steam locomotive ‘BARBER’ will make its long awaited debut at Alston’s South Tynedale Railway during a Gala Weekend from 2nd – 5th May.
This will be a unique opportunity to experience ‘BARBER’ hauling passengers for the very first time in its history and the locomotive’s first time in use since 1949.
The South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society is delighted to see the coming to fruition of a twelve year project which began when BARBER’s care was entrusted to them by the Narrow Gauge Railway Society. A major appeal was launched to fund its restoration and, although there is still money to raise to meet costs, the locomotive has been delivered, fully restored by Alan Keef of Ross on Wye.
So the locomotive made by ‘Thomas Green and Sons of Leeds’ for Harrogate Gas Works, where it operated from 1908 until 1949, will be seen proudly hauling passenger carriages through the stunning Cumbrian and Northumbrian scenic track at the South Tynedale Railway from the May Gala weekend throughout the season and for years to come!