Full steam ahead for project to restore historic locomotive after Lottery grant

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the Bahamas Locomotive Society, based at Ingrow, Keighley, to restore its 1934-built Jubilee class main-line steam locomotive 45596 Bahamas to running order.

The engine, of both local and national significance, is now 78 years old and was the last steam engine used in British Rail experiments to improve the performance of steam engines.

The society itself will contribute a further £130,000 to the restoration project to be run entirely by volunteers.

John Hillier, the BLS spokesman responsible for the bid, said: “We are extremely grateful to the HLF for endorsing our plans to enable this famous steam locomotive to be restored to running order once more.

“We are also delighted that the restoration of an historic coach which will provide a unique setting for an educational and exhibition resource centre will be sited adjacent to our museum at Ingrow.

“The project will provide employment, training and skill development opportunities at our contractors and at our base on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

“We would also like to acknowledge the support of our partners and countless individuals in helping us progress our plans towards a successful conclusion.”

Fiona Spiers, head of HLF for Yorkshire, said: “This project will deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The project offers lots of exciting opportunities for employment, volunteers, training and education in addition to wider public participation in the restoration of this magnificent steam engine. Once it is restored we hope it will also drive further tourism to Yorkshire.”

Bahamas is currently inside the National Railway Museum at York but in April is due to return to Ingrow where work will begin. It is hoped the engine will be operational again by early 2017.