Cheltenham
Cheltenham is part of the national collection of steam engines
A steam engine built in Eastleigh in the 1930s has returned to the town's railway works to be restored to full working order.
No 925 Cheltenham has been brought from the National Railway Museum in York where it has been on display since its withdrawal from service in 1962.
Once restored it will run on the nearby Mid-Hants heritage railway line.
Manager Bruce Knights said the work was "historically important" for the 101-year-old Eastleigh works.
Major overhaul
The overhaul of the engine will be completed by specialist contractors as well as a team from the local Mid Hants Railway. It will include removing asbestos as well as restoring all the working parts of the engine and boiler.
Bruce Knights, manager of the Eastleigh works said: "We are hoping to find it's in pretty good condition and we can get it to A1 working nick for the next 80 years.
"The real important part is to see it leave the site in steam - there will be some moist eyes then, I think."
Cheltenham
Few other sites are large enough to carry out a full renovation
The return of the Cheltenham is a landmark for the Eastleigh works which was at the hub of locomotive building and repair in Britain for almost 100 years.
It closed in 2005 but re-opened three years later to work on refitting modern trains.
Among those working on the Cheltenham is Jack Keens, an 18-year-old apprentice whose grandfather worked on the engine when it was originally at the works.
Mr Knights said: "With the involvement of apprentices like Jack, we are also safeguarding for the future key skills and knowledge that is fast being lost from the workplace."
Watercress line
Cheltenham which is owned by the National Railway Museum, will move to the Mid-Hants Railway's Watercress line after the 2-year restoration.
It will join the Lord Nelson, another vintage engine overhauled at Eastleigh, on the Alresford-to-Alton tourist route.
Spokesperson for the railway, Tim Beere, said: "To have two at the railway on the line they used to run on is going to be a fantastic experience.
"There is a new generation who are enthralled by steam - the sight and sound is so emotive, it can't be beaten."
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