Narrow Gauge Steam Loco Launch 22nd July

[Aveling8727]

Here is a press release from the west Lancashire LIght Railway which i have been involved with for 11 years, following the completion of their Kerr Stuart Joffre class steam loco, which has been under restoration for neary 17years. I will be taking the Foden steam wagon to the event for the naming ceramony.

"Long Awaited Event
The West Lancashire Locomotive Trust are pleased to announce that on Sunday 22nd July 2012 their 2ft gauge Kerr Stuart `Joffre' class 0-6-0 WT+T will be on its inaugural train following a naming ceremony to be performed by Mr Steve Davies MBE, Director of the National Railway Museum.
The ceremony will take place at 2.30pm and it is anticipated that the locomotive will then haul ...its inaugural public train and continue for the remainder of the afternoon.
The locomotive has been fully restored by the Locomotive Trust over a period of some 16 years, with the majority of the work having been undertaken by the Trust members themselves.
The locomotive is the oldest surviving `Joffre' locomotive having been built in 1915 for the French Government and spent its initial service on the Trench Railways in the First World War.
To add to the day the Trust have also arranged for a visit by a First World War `Foden' Steam Lorry owned by Mike Wilkinson of blackpool.
Enthusiasts are welcome to attend the event, at the West Lancashire Light Railway, station Road, Hesketh Bank, Nr Preston, Lancashire PR4 6SP – See Website www.westlancs.org for directions"