76079 BR Standard Class 4 Locomotive
11th May 2026
The Strathspey Railway Company has been given an opportunity to negotiate the purchase a further steam locomotive from the North Yorkshire Moors Historical Railway Trust. The locomotive, BR Standard 4MT No.76079 will require substantial work to bring it back into service.
No.76079 was built by British Railways at Horwich Works, entering service in January 1957 and initially allocated to Sutton Oak Shed (10D) (St Helens). It was withdrawn by BR in December 1967 from Wigan Springs Branch Shed (8F). Sold for Scrap, it lay in Barry Scrapyard between 1968 – 1974 before moving to Steamport Museum at Southport as a static exhibit. Eventually restored by Riley & Son (Engineers) in 1989 and certified for main line running. Subsequently sold to NYMR in 2009 and overhauled at Grosmont in 2014. In 2017 tyres sent for turning after covering 17000 miles that year. Withdrawn from service in 2023 and stored.
Rationale
This locomotive is a BR Standard Mogul (2-6-0 + Tender) which in terms of capability lies between the Ivatts (46512/46464) and the Black Five (5025). In regard to the longer trains we run, it is considered to be more sensible to be able to use a larger locomotive than the Ivatts which is working less hard to minimise the risk of lineside fires. SR Engineering Manager Nathan Lightowler, after inspection and detailed discussion with NYMR colleagues, is satisfied that the necessary repairs can be carried out by the SR Engineering Team of employees and volunteers .
The North Yorkshire Moors Historical Railway Trust, in keeping with their aims and ethos, were keen to ensure the locomotive went to “a good home” where it could be restored and returned to service on a UK Heritage Railway and for everyone to continue to enjoy.
46512 is scheduled for a major overhaul in 2028 and 5025 in 2030.
It is anticipated that during the periods of both overhauls we will require an additional locomotive to sustain normal operations. Current estimates are that this will be required for 120 days in 2028 and 80 days in 2030.
Purchase, and the return to service a locomotive which would be “new” to Aviemore Shed, is an iconic project for the railway with potential to attract new volunteers, grants, and general railway interest. Boost the motivation of shed team and the whole Railway in general.
Repair Hire Agreement for BR Standard Class 4 tank 80105
7th May 2026
The Strathspey Railway Company has entered into a Repair / Hire Agreement with Locomotive Owners Group Scotland (“LOGS”) to carry out repairs on their locomotive, 80105, here at the Strathspey Railway.
Nathan and the shed team, together with our volunteers and volunteers from LOGS, will carry out the extensive repairs required over the next year.
In return for this work, we have entered into a part barter arrangement where LOGS will provide the loco for use on Strathspey F.O.C. (valued at a special hire rate) during periods of the major overhauls scheduled for 46512 and 5025 during 2028-2030.
The loco will be based at the Strathspey Railway during this period but will be hired out to other users when not reserved for the Strathspey Railway’s use. Strathspey Railway will earn 1/3 of any hire fees going towards paying off the repair debt as well with LOGS retaining the balance for them to build up funds for future restorations. 80105 is already of course well known to the Strathspey Railway, having been here before.
This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, giving our team further valuable experience and an exciting project, encouraging more visitors to Strathspey, and providing us a useful support during the unavailability of some of our locos when undergoing major overhauls.
(photo credit: Timon Rose)
Strathspey Railway Announcement 29 October 2025
The Strathspey Railway Company has issued the following announcement to Strathspey Railway stakeholders and external media:
“The Strathspey Railway is delighted to announce the receipt of a donation significantly in excess of £1 Million from a Benefactor in the United States of America. The Benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, visited the Railway some years ago and was impressed by what he saw. Beyond expecting the Railway to use the donation in a way which best benefits the organisation as a whole, the Benefactor has not stipulated how this money should be spent nor placed any restrictions on the type of strategic projects which might be favoured.”
Needless to say this is a most welcome and encouraging piece of news for the whole railway.
The full text can be viewed here (you will need a pdf reader to view).
Strathspey Railway Celebrates Railway 200
To celebrate the visit of the Railway 200 train “Inspiration”, the railway ran a successful gala event between 16th and 18th October 2025. The entire fleet of large locomotives was in action with some special runs by the Inspiration class 66 locomotive on our tracks. The General Manager’s report and thank you to all the staff can be read here.
Railway Half Year Report August 2025
August’s update, by way of the half year report, from both the Board of Directors of the Strathspey Railway Company can be viewed here (you will need a pdf reader to view).
ORR Inspection March 2025
The Strathspey Railway had an ORR inspection on the 10th and 11th of March 2025. You can read the initial reaction of the Interim Chairman of the Strathspey Railway Company to the visit by clicking here (you will need a pdf reader to view).
Railway Update January 2025
January’s update from both the Interim Chairman and General Manager of the Strathspey Railway Company can be viewed here (you will need a pdf reader to view).
46464 Up For Two Awards
46464 has been nominated for both the HRA Steam Locomotive Award and the Steam Railway Readers Award for steam restoration in 2024.
Both awards are an acknowledgement of the significant input of the Strathspey Railway Company and Association and its staff and volunteers as well as the efforts of the Carmyllie Pilot Company members (who are all SRA members). Details of the HRA award can be found here (link to an external website which the SRA has no responsibility for).
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