Swindon and Cricklade Railway vintage train destroyed by fire [BBC News]
Date: 21/05/2016
A vintage diesel train valued at £100,000 has been destroyed in a fire. Swindon and Cricklade Railway said the train and three wagons were on the track near Hayes Knoll when fire crews arrived on Friday at about 18:00 BST. Dave Peacey, from Swindon and Cricklade Railway, said they had just refurbished it for the coming season and it was 'very hurtful'. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said it was investigating the cause of the blaze. Mr Peacey said: 'Back in January and February a team of us refurbished the whole thing inside. 'We repainted it, cleaned all the upholstery and made it look really smart for this coming season. And now of course we've lost it and it's very hurtful. 'It's valued at around about £80,000, but with the three wagons that were adjacent to it that have also been destroyed, the value is in excess of probably £100,000 damage.' The train - a Diesel Electrical Multiple Unit (DEMU) - was built in 1964 and is nicknamed the 'thumper' because of the engine's distinctive noise. It was one of only three in the country. [From Richard Buckby]
External links
BBC News
A restored vintage diesel train valued at £100,000 is completely destroyed in a fire.
Related images
Location: Warcop
Company: Eden Valley Railway
11/05/2006 John Furnevel
Location: Uckfield
Company: Lewes and Uckfield Railway
// Ian Dinmore
Location: Hayes Knoll
Company: Swindon and Cheltenham Extension Railway
22/11/2008 Peter Todd
Related news items
Tags: x Fire
