Sunday 24th August 2025 saw television presenter Tim Dunn officially relaunch the Telford Steam Tramway in a ceremony which took place during the Telford Steam Railway’s 1940s event. This marked the official return to service of the steam tram following the conclusion of a major overhaul and restoration.
Whilst the steam tram locomotive and carriage had been used previously since its overhaul was completed, this was the official launch for it which also saw Tim Dunn unveil the name Thomas Telford. The loco had previously been named Thomas when it ran in Telford Town Park (it being named at that time by author of the Railway Series books, Rev W Awdry).
The Telford Steam Tramway operates on a 300 yard line at the Telford Steam Railway is a 2 foot gauge line. The loco and carriage were originally built for a line in Telford Town Park in 1979, before it was moved to the Steam Railway from 1992. The loco had to be withdrawn in 2019 requiring an overhaul, and after fundraising and lots of hard work which has seen both it and the carriage have a full rebuild and repaint it is now back in action once more.
Unfortunately, following the launch a fault was discovered with the locomotive and it was withdrawn from its planned use on Monday 25th August to allow for repairs to take place. These repairs are expected to take at least a few weeks to complete.
The relaunched locomotive is seen in this photo with its “THOMAS TELFORD” name proudly displayed on the side.
Tim Dunn on the footplate of the locomotive.
A look at the locomotive and carriage by its shed. (All Photographs by Richard Hill, 24th August 2025)
The tram resumed running on Sunday 7th September 2025.