62-521 arrives at Alresford 19th December 2006

Following a 3 hour journey from Purfleet to Alresford, 62-521 - Britain's "Newest" Standard Gauge Steam Locomotive which will be rebuilt to Southampton Dock Tank style and numbered "30076" finished the 1,250 mile road journey from Zenica in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The following photos show 62-521 in transit on her low loader. Unlike locomotive transporters in the UK which are "roll on - roll off" format, Project 62 arranged cranes to lift the 42 tonne locomotive from the trailer which was of specific type to enable the transport to cross various countries in Europe which have many differing load and height restrictions.

Everyone involved on the day is to be congratulated for their professional efforts and conduct in ensuring a successful outcome to what was a unique occurrance. John Shirley Transport of Dover ensured that Project 62 was kept informed of the progress of the transport on a day to day basis and arrival after the marathon journey was pretty much at "lunchtime" as they had stated eight days earlier. Ainscough Crane Hire provided state of the art machinery and their staff are to be commended for the efficient way that 62-521 was lifted from the trailer precisely onto the rails beneath without a single adjustment from the set up position - most impressive. The Mid Hants Railway have been key in providing Project 62 with a starting base for delivering and locating 62-521 whilst assessment for overhaul and conversion to "30076" - the "World's First" all access heritage steam locomotive occurs. The Police and Motorway Escorts who ensured the huge transporter was able to make the journey in good time and then access the car park at Alresford, also have our thanks. Finally, to all those members of Project 62, the Mid Hants Railway and the general public who turned out to watch, we appreciate your interest and hope you enjoyed watching this unusual experience.

For further information and to help us with this ground breaking project to construct the world's first "all access" locomotive, please email us at project62@supanet.com for more detail of share ownership and making a donation.

62-521 nearing Alresford

On arrival at the Station car park

Closer view shows wooden supporting rails

The load is positioned over rail alongside Ainscough's cranes

The 50 tonne capacity cranes have support legs extended

62-521 is raised into the air and the loader driven out

Then the locomotive is gently lowered to the rails

62-521 sits where sister 30075 visited in March 2006

Did we have to "pay and display" too, Officer?

Project 62 members record their day with 62-521

As the light fades, 62-521 is propelled towards Ropley

"30076" - our aim, please help us to achieve this "World First"

All photos are copyright of Project 62 unless otherwise credited. The image portraying "30076" above is an artist's impression of the end result we hope to achieve. To buy a share in Britain's "Newest" Standard Gauge Steam Locomotive or to assist with a donation, email us at project62@supanet.com - many thanks.