Section 2 - Introduction
This website is a mainly pictorial record of Leeds built locomotive MW2047 since 1966 when it first came to the notice of the Warwickshire Railway Society (during a visit to Rugby Cement Works) in February of that year. It was later (1967) purchased by the Warwickshire Industrial Locomotive Preservation Group who moved it to The Severn Valley Railway in October of that year. The locomotive was soon restored to working order (late 1968) and worked at the SVR (in blue livery and now named 'Warwickshire') until the end of 1977 when it was withdrawn with boiler problems. In 1995 the locomotive was cosmetically restored in its original green livery and after a short period on display at Hampton Loade and Highley Stations it was towed down to SVR Kidderminster and put on Static Display at The Kidderminster Railway Museum in early 1997. The locomotive remained at the KRM (whilst funds were raised by WILT - new Charity created to fund a new boiler) until late 2010 when it was removed from the KRM and taken by road up to SVR Bridgnorth where it was dismantled ready for overhaul. During the 5 year period at Bridgnorth from 2014 to 2019 the locomotive was lifted off its driving wheels and the cylinder block was removed for repair. The wheel tyres and axles were also machined, the axleboxes re-metalled and the springs refurbished. Unfortunately, the cylinders were found to be beyond repair and new cylinders were cast & machined (at Timsons Engineering, Kettering) in 2017. During the latter part of 2018 & early 2019 the locomotive frames (complete with newly installed cylinders) were refitted to wheels and axleboxes and refurbished springs were fitted in place. In March 2019 the complete locomotive chassis was towed down to SVR Bewdley where the locomotive was moved inside the 'tent' recently vacated by GWR 2-6-2T No.4150 so that restoration could continue. In the five years since that time much restoration work on MW2047 has been carried out including the fabrication and fitting of a new bunker, complete refurbishment of cab and the placement on order of a brand new boiler due for delivery at end of 2025. It is the hope and intention of WILPT (the New Owning Charity) to return MW2047 to steam in 1926, its Centenary Year. More information on this locomotive can be found at: www.wilt.jimdo.com