Next month, the West Somerset Railway (WSR) will celebrate 50 glorious years of steam heritage with its much-anticipated Spring Steam Spectacular 2026. Running from May 1 to 4, this four-day gala promises an impressive showcase of some of Britain’s most cherished steam locomotives.
The event will feature a diverse array of engines, from powerful Manor and Mogul steam locomotives to the charming smaller tank engines that have helped make WSR a beloved fixture on the heritage railway scene. Locomotive enthusiasts and the general public alike can expect a captivating glimpse into the rich history of steam rail travel.
This year’s highlight is the arrival of the renowned 16-inch gauge Hunslet No.1589 Newstead, famously known as the ‘Lost Engine.’ Built in 1929 by the Hunslet Engine Company in Leeds, Newstead originally served in the coal mining industry until it mysteriously disappeared in 1972. The engine’s story might have ended there, but it was saved by Malcolm James Saul, who kept it hidden in a convent shed. Over time, the shed was concealed by trees, and Newstead was thought lost again.
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More than four decades later, after Mr. Saul’s passing, locomotive enthusiast Alex Alder rediscovered Newstead with the help of the convent’s nuns. Remarkably preserved, Newstead underwent careful restoration and triumphantly returned to steam in 2025 at the North Norfolk Railway.
Visitors to the Spring Steam Spectacular will see Newstead alongside other industrial engines like ‘Victor’—a Bagnall 0-6-0ST No.2996—in a thrilling Sunday double-header featuring the iconic LNER A4 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley.’
The event celebrates half a century of passion, history, and steam-powered adventure. Tickets and additional details can be found on the West Somerset Railway website.