925 Cheltenham

One of only three of the ‘Schools’ class to survive into preservation, 925 was overhauled by volunteers of the Mid-Hants at Eastleigh railway works where it was construction in 1934. After just under 30 years service with the Southern and BR, Cheltenham was withdrawn in 1962 and set to one side for the national collection. Following storage at various locations, including at York’s NRM, No. 925 was put into temporary working order for exhibition at Rainhill for the Rocket 150 celebrations in 1980. After a short period at Dinting, the locomotive was stored at York until 2010 when it was agreed for the Mid-Hants Railway to take over the locomotive and overhaul it to full working order again. Footage of the locomotive in the works at Eastleigh, its first steamings there and its departure by road transport for the York Railfest. This is the story of Cheltenham’s overhaul at Eastleigh and re-introduction to service.

approx 45 min