Can I see 4561? Not at the moment, sorry. She is in three places while she is rebuilt, and none of them is open to visitors. When there is a chance to see the work, we will announce it on the WSRA Facebook page and in the restoration diary.
The chassis: Williton
The frames, cylinders, wheels and motion are in the West Somerset Railway’s workshop at Williton, where the team led by Ryan Pope is rebuilding them. New cylinders and frame extensions, a riveted front end, overhauled wheels and axleboxes, refurbished pony trucks, eccentrics and rod bearings are all done, and the brake gear was refitted in October 2026.
The side tanks: Minehead
A volunteer team in the workshops at Minehead is building a new pair of side tanks to the original 1920 Great Western drawing. The first tank is complete, and the second is to follow.
The boiler: Riley and Son, Lancashire
The boiler is being overhauled by specialist contractor Riley and Son. The work includes a new coned barrel section and repairs to the copper firebox.
Follow the progress
Read the restoration diary for the latest news and photographs, or follow the WSRA on Facebook. You can help bring the three parts back together by donating to 4561.