MID Hants Railway has welcomed an engine back on to the track after a lengthy overhaul.

It was 21 years ago, back in 1991, that 76017 was last in steam, but following six years of hard work it’s now back on the Watercress Line.

“The British Railways Standard 4 2-6-0, nick- named ‘Moguls’, were based on an earlier Ivatt LMS design known as ‘flying pigs’,” explained a railway spokesman. “Over 115 of the Standard 4 Moguls were built between 1952 and 1957 at Horwich and Doncaster locomotive works.

“76017 was completed in June 1953 at Horwich and was allocated from new to the Southern Region, based at Eastleigh shed. While there she performed freight, semi fast or all-stopping turns to Southampton and Bournemouth.

“On 23 September 1954 while working the 7am Banbury to Eastleigh goods, the driver lost control, and 76017 ran through the catch point and down the embankment. No one was hurt and 76017 was rescued by the Eastleigh and Fratton cranes, this being reported at the time in the Hampshire Chronicle.”

The loco has recently featured as Douglas at Mid Hants Railway’s Day Out With Thomas event.

It is privately owned by a consortium and its recent works cost in excess of £500,000.