Breaking GWRPG News:

Enforced Changes at Southall - August 2008

Since 1976 the members of the G.W.R. Preservation Group Limited have committed themselves to preserving our rich railway heritage in London. Now in its third decade, the Group has successfully restored a number of its vintage steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock.

The G.W.R. Preservation Group Limited’s aims in the 21st Century are to:

• complete the restoration of its remaining locomotives
• establish a permanent working railway heritage centre in West London
• operate steam passenger excursions on the Southall to Brentford branch and other London branchlines
• promote railway preservation and an appreciation of railway heritage within the community

The Group occupies sidings and a large workshop at Southall where it currently focuses on restoring its locomotives and rolling stock. We generate valuable income by hiring these locomotives to other heritage railways.

Successes include the return to steam of Great Western Railway-designed 0-6-0 PT Pannier, No. 9682 - some 50 years after it was originally built - and the restoration of its unique A.E.C. 0-4-0 diesel shunter - built in 1939 at Southall. 9682 was the 100th locomotive rescued from the famous "Barry scrapyard" to be restored to working order and earned further fame in 2000 when it became - what is believed to be - the first restored steam locomotive to haul a train carrying HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

Please view the other pages on our web site for fund-raising and membership opportunities - we are grateful for all your support.