She's back! C17 971 steams again
(added 14/03/07)

On Wednesday 14th March, 2007, SDSR created a little bit of history. After 10 years of hard work and dedication, today we saw C17 971 make her first move under steam since 1969.

I'm free! - C17 971 leaving the Warwick Railway Precinct.

The day started at 7am with the loco being lit and finished at 12pm, with the completion of the shunt movement. With approximately 14 SDSR members on hand doing odd jobs about the Yard in preparation, it was a great moment for all to finally see 971 back in steam and moving!

At 11:30, the shunter gave the driver the signal to proceed onto the turntable, and C17 971 cautiously negotiated the 200m metres of track before stopping at the Stop board Entrance to DTC (QR Warwick Yard).

C17 971 stops at the Warwick Yard Stop Board.

After receiving the order to set back to the turntable, 971 effortlessly moved back onto the turntable, where a successful test of the turntable air power was carried out. After this, the locomotive was put back to bed, after her short journey out of the shed.

C17 971 on the Warwick Railway Precinct turntable.

C17 971 will now prepare for the Open Day and Dedication into service this Sunday, the 18th of March. The day runs from 10am to 4pm and will be a great day for the whole family.

A special thank you must go to the dedicated members of 'Dads Army', which have fronted up for years and worked on the restoration of this loco. It has been a great achievement. They have worked tirelessly on this project and it is now paying off.

The hard work will continue as the locomotive is prepared for further testing in preparation for main line services.

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