Newly-restored historic locomotive Canadian Pacific returns to its former glory at The Watercress Line

The magnificent Bulleid engine was built in 1941 at Eastleigh and played a vital role during World War Two. It then served on the railways through the decades before falling into disrepair.

The gleaming rebuilt Canadian Pacific steamed majestically into view at Alresford Station to great applause from a gathered crowd of VIP guests, Watercress Line staff and the heritage railway’s dedicated volunteers at the official launch on Wednesday, March 19.

Speeches and the ceremonial nameplate unveiling by Eilish McGuinness, The National Lottery Heritage Fund CEO, and Robert Fry, Deputy High Commissioner for Canada in the UK, took place, before thrilled passengers boarded for a special inaugural journey from Alresford to Alton.

Canadian Pacific travelled along the South Downs to Ropley, where children from Binstead Primary School, turned out to wave flags in celebration. Alton Station had been transported back in time to the 1940s to welcome the magnificent Canadian Pacific and its guests with nostalgic re-enactments and music.

The launch was attended by esteemed guests, including Robert Fry, Deputy High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom; Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund; Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay; Lord Faulkner of Worcester Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail; AVM Richard Lacey CBE LVO, President of The Watercress Line and Stephen Evans CMG OBE, Chair of the Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust.

The restoration of Canadian Pacific was an epic undertaking, driven by The Watercress Line’s devoted team, who spent more than 10,000 hours on the renovation of the iconic locomotive and two 1948 Bulleid carriages, 4211 and 1456, which also made the inaugural journey. The project was made possible through significant funding of £1,254,400 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, welcomed the guests to the highly anticipated event. She said: “The story of 35005 Canadian Pacific is one of resilience and hope in the teeth of adversity.

“The launch was a fitting testament to the enormous endeavour of our volunteers, staff and funders and I am delighted that their perseverance was recognised with such a wonderful day.”

Eilish McGuinness,Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Canadian Pacific is a stunning example of our commitment to protect, conserve and revitalise heritage and of our vision for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.

“It is one of 600 railway projects we have supported over the past 30 years to the value of £105 million, enabling thousands of staff, volunteers, apprentices and passengers to enjoy the UK’s magnificent railway heritage.

“I am delighted the launch is happening in the 200th year anniversary of the birth of the modern railway and that National Lottery players are helping this historic locomotive steam far into the future.”

Robert Fry, Deputy High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, said: “It is an honour to celebrate the launch of the newly restored 35005 Canadian Pacific.

“Canada and the United Kingdom share a deep history as allies and friends over hundreds of years. 35005 Canadian Pacific is a glowing example and symbol of the common values that have bound our countries together as two strong friends and sovereign allies.

“The locomotive, which has been beautifully restored to its full glory, reminds us all of the importance of working together as a force for good in an increasingly polarised world.”

Stephen Evans, Chair of The Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust, said: “Bringing the Canadian Pacific project to a successful conclusion has been an enormous achievement in engineering and operational terms, and has served a wider purpose by symbolising the closeness of the UK Canada relationship.

“The launch event brought the locomotive and the railway to the attention of a wide range of people and generated a great deal of positive media coverage. The Watercress Line has something of which to be justifiably proud.”

Among the special guests was Debra Asher, whose mother, Mary Martha Long, and grandmother, Margaret Long, were employed as labourers at Eastleigh Works and contributed to the original construction of Canadian Pacific.

She said: “We weren’t aware of my mum’s or nan’s involvement in the railway industry until we were contacted by The Watercress Line as part of their research project searching for the women who built Canadian Pacific.

“I am so proud of their achievements contributing to this fascinating time in history and I’m really excited to see the locomotive they helped to build back in action.”

Heritage locomotive driver Dave Pallett was given the honour of driving Canadian Pacific on its inaugural journey. He said:

“Restoring Canadian Pacific was heavy, dirty work, but seeing so many people come together to make it happen has been truly special. Canadian Pacific is the best because she belongs to the Mid Hants Railway, and her restoration proves what can be achieved when people share a passion for keeping history alive.”

Apprentice-turned-driver Alex Luckham, who worked on Canadian Pacific’s restoration as part of The Watercress Line’s National Lottery Heritage Fund apprenticeship scheme, joined Dave on the footplate for the locomotive’s inaugural run.

He said: “Being part of Canadian Pacific’s restoration from start to finish has been incredibly rewarding - from rebuilding the cab framework at Ropley to aligning the wheels, fitting the boiler, and crafting the firebox cladding. Seeing her finally return to steam after so many years is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.”

Andy Woodruffe, who also worked on the Canadian Pacific restoration as an apprentice, added: “I started in 2014 as a Canadian Pacific apprentice, working on the boiler as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project.

“After my apprenticeship, I was fortunate to continue working at the Watercress Line, seeing the restoration through to completion. It’s incredible to finally see Canadian Pacific back in steam and people enjoying the result of so many years of dedication and hard work.”

Students and staff from nearby Treloar School were delighted to join the Canadian Pacific launch celebrations. They worked closely with The Watercress Line team on the Let Me In Accessibility Programme to help the heritage railway staff understand the accessibility required for train carriages.

Designed for Southern Railway by Chief Mechanical Engineer Oliver Bulleid and built in the darkest days of wartime Britain by workers, who included women, at the Eastleigh Locomotive Works, Canadian Pacific played a vital role during World War Two, before hauling prestigious post-war boat trains such as the Bournemouth Belle, Royal Wessex, and Atlantic Coast Express.

The Watercress Line began restoration work in 2011, meticulously reconstructing the boiler, repairing the frame, and restoring intricate mechanical components.

Canadian Pacific now proudly takes its place in the Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years of railway travel in the UK. https://railway200.co.uk/

The public have the unique opportunity to ride behind the beautifully restored locomotive until March 23, experiencing a nostalgic journey through the picturesque Hampshire countryside aboard a piece of living history.

For more information, visit: https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/canadian-pacific-launch