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West Country 34007 Wadebridge, which was designed by O.V. S. Bulleid and built at Brighton in 1945, has retained its original air-smoothed casing and is often known as a Spam Can or Flat Top due to it's shape.
34007 Wadebridge was originally rescued from Barry Scrapyard and restored at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway by a dedicated group. She subsequently moved to the Watercress Line where she ran for many years, until her 10 Year Boiler Ticket expired in 2016. She was then stored at Ropley, whilst plans for her overhaul were developed.
She was successfully assessed as being suitable for overhaul, and following notable donations from the locomotives patron, Alex Choremi as well as continued fundraising, overhaul commenced in August 2022 and is being undertaken in partnership between the Watercress Line engineering team and Ian Riley & Sons engineering.
The aim is to have 34007 Wadebridge back in service in 2026, with the locomotive based at the Watercress Line. The overhaul though will enable her to run on the mainline as well, should circumstances allow, during the course of her 10 Year Boiler Ticket.
Please help us to continue to raise funds to facilitate the fast track the return of this iconic engine, the oldest surviving Bulleid light pacific.