Steam engine that pulled some of Leek’s last trains to return to the moorlands

The Churnet valley railway have announced a

second visiting steam locomotive, which pulled some of the last train services from Leek station.

The 𝐞𝐱 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝟒 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐨. 𝟕𝟓𝟎𝟏𝟒 ‘𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭’ (pictured) courtesy of the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company. Arriving later this month, it will remain with them till the steam gala in May 2024.

The 75xxx class are no stranger to the Churnet Valley Line, 75035 was based at Stoke Shed  and worked some of the last passenger services from Leek.

A spokesperson for the heritage railway said:

“We are pleased to announce the arrival of Braveheart, courtesy of the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company. Arriving later this month, it will remain with us till our steam gala in May 2024.

The 75xxx class are no stranger to the Churnet Valley Line, 75035 was based at Stoke Shed (5D) and worked some of the last passenger services from Leek before closure. 75014 was also a former Stoke engine, being based there between September 1963 and 1964 and no doubt worked the Churnet Valley line.

Sent for scrap to the infamous Woodhams Scrapyard at Barry in October 1967 it spent 14 years exposed to the elements. Purchased as a wreck in 1981 it was the 121 st locomotive to leave the scrapyard returning to steam in 1994.

In 2000 it was given the name Braveheart from the film of that name which was shot in the West Highlands of Scotland along what is now the infamous ‘Harry Potter’ line.

Braveheart will be running on scheduled passenger services in February, March and April and will star in our May steam gala.

Please check our website for running dates: https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/events/calendar/2024/02”