Since 1976 the members of the G.W.R. Preservation Group Limited have committed themselves to preserving our rich railway heritage in London. Now in its third decade, the Group has successfully restored a number of its vintage steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock.

The G.W.R. Preservation Group Limited’s aims in the 21st Century are to:

• complete the restoration of its remaining locomotives
• re-establish a permanent working railway heritage centre in West London
• operate steam passenger excursions on the Southall to Brentford branch and other London branchlines
• promote railway preservation and an appreciation of railway heritage within the community

G.W.R. Preservation Group Limited

The G.W.R. Preservation Group Limited has endeavoured to establish a permanent home in West London since 1981. The Group enjoyed great success at the former steam and diesel shed at Southall, which it operated as a working railway centre in the 1990s until enforced closure to the public in 1997. After lengthy negotiation the Group were allowed to retain rolling stock on site.

Since May 2005 - following negotiations with Network Rail - the Group occupies the original Lifting Shop and ancillary buildings at Southall where it focuses on restoring and maintaining its locomotives and rolling stock.

The Group is grateful for support from:

• Network Rail
• Southall Regeneration Partnership
• London Borough of Ealing
• London Borough of Hounslow
• London Borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames
• London Development Agency

A steaming success

Successes include the return to steam of Great Western Railway-designed 0-6-0PT Pannier, No. 9682 - some 50 years after it was originally built - and the restoration of its unique A.E.C. 0-4-0 diesel shunter - built in 1938 at Southall.

9682 was the 100th locomotive rescued from the famous ‘Barry scrapyard’ to be restored to working order and earned further fame in 2000 when it became - what is believed to be - the first restored steam locomotive to haul a train carrying HRH The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Group still has much to do and we are now raising funds to complete the restoration of our flagship steam locomotive, G.W.R. 2-6-2T Prairie, No. 4110. To achieve this and our other aims, we seek support in two main areas.

Funds

Restoring locomotives and rolling stock requires considerable funds - most of which the Group raises itself. Hiring out working locomotives is a major source of revenue and we are keen to discuss opportunities with other heritage railways.

Members

We depend upon our members to raise funds and help with organisation, restoration and operational activities.

Please view the other pages on our web site for fund-raising and membership opportunities - we are grateful for all your support.