Princess Elizabeth locomotive set for £400k Carnforth repair

Princess Elizabeth, a crimson-painted locomotive, number 6201, was named after the future monarch in 1933, when she was a seven-year-old schoolgirl.

A crane was brought in to lift its 29-ton boiler from the chassis at West Coast Railway's workshop.

The locomotive's 29-ton boiler being moved by a crane at West Coast Railway’s workshop in Carnforth (Image: Jim Connor)

Built in Crewe for £11,675, the locomotive went on to become one of the most celebrated engines on the London, Midland and Scottish Railway.

In 1936, it set a world speed record between London and Glasgow, covering the 401-mile journey at an average speed of 70mph.

After being withdrawn from service with British Rail in 1961, enthusiasts saved the engine from the scrapyard and restored it to its former glory.

The locomotive blew its whistle at Battersea Railway Bridge to start the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pageant in June 2012.

The Queen, who was aboard a barge below on the River Thames, waved at the driver and fireman on the footplate.

The locomotive's 29-ton boiler being moved by a crane at West Coast Railway’s workshop in Carnforth (Image: Jim Connor)

A few days later, Princess Elizabeth hauled the Royal Train from Newport to Hereford and then from Worcester to Oxford as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Tour.

In recent years, before needing its boiler replaced, the locomotive regularly pulled the 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle over the Settle-Carlisle line.

A spokesman for the Belle said: "Lizzie was a great favourite with all our passengers and we were very disappointed when she had to go in for repairs.

"We look forward to welcoming back once she is finally back on track.

"But in the meantime, another fine engine called Tangmere, which used to haul crack expresses from London to the South Coast, has proved a very popular replacement."