‘Castle’ No. 7027 Thornbury Castle sold and to be restored for mainline

Barry ‘wreck’ No. 7027 Thornbury Castle has been bought with the ambition of returning it to main line running order.

A south west based enthusiast has acquired the Great Western ‘Castle’ from the Waterman Railway Heritage Trust.

‘Thornbury’ last ran under its own steam in 1963. It was originally bought as a source of spares by Birmingham Railway Museum, but was bought by Pete Waterman in 1994 with the unfulfilled intention of full restoration.

Picture shows 7027 in 1963, just months before withdrawal. Courtesy of Colour Rail.

■ For the full, in-depth, exclusive story from Nick Brodrick, see the August issue of The Railway Magazine – on sale this Wednesday!