Back in 2023 we reported on an appeal by the Telford Steam Railway for funding to restore their 2 foot gauge steam tram engine. Now a couple of years later and the project has progressed sufficiently to allow it to start running, although it isn’t quite ready to be used in passenger service just yet. The loco made its public debut on Sunday 4th May 2025 at the Telford Steam Railway Official Open Day. Ken Jones was there to capture a few images of it.
Originally built in 1979 by Alan Keef Ltd, the locomotive initially ran in Telford Town Park and was then moved to Telford Steam Railway in the mid-1980s. It is used on a 2 foot gauge circular route but by the 2020s it had to be withdrawn to allow a full and thorough restoration to take place, which has included the construction of a new vertical boiler. Its matching coach is also being restored.
The steam tram loco received its boiler certificate at the end of April 2025 and so was able to play a part in the Open Day. This event was attended by Pete Waterman and also allowed the Steam Railway’s flagship steam locomotive no. 5619 to celebrate its 100th birthday.
The plan is that work on the steam tram locomotive will be completed this year, along with its coach, will allow both to once again start running on their line.
The steam tram locomotive is seen here. The new vertical boiler can be clearly seen as the panelling on the outside has yet to be put back into place.
Meanwhile, work is continuing on the restoration of the coach.
Another look at the steam tram locomotive as it rounds the curve during one of its demonstration runs. (All Photographs by Ken Jones, 4th May 2025)
Some good news in the tramway world at last!