NEWSTEAD THE LOST ENGINE COMPLETES THE SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR LINE UP

After a series of exciting announcements, we are pleased to reveal that the final visiting locomotive for our May 1st – 4th is 16” Hunslet No.1589 ‘Newstead’.

Famous for being known as the ‘Lost’ Engine, Newstead was built in 1929 by the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds to work in the coal mining industry. The engine worked until 1972 when it was seemingly lost to the cutters torch. Luckily, it transpired that the engine was in fact saved by Mr Malcolm James Saul and kept at the convent where he tended to the gardens in a small shed with plans of restoration. Sadly, the shed was lost to time, with poplar trees planted in front hiding the shed, and little old engine from view.

Thankfully, over 40 years later and after the passing of Mr Saul, Alex Alder was tipped off about the hidden engine, and sure enough, one of the resident Nuns revealed the secret hiding place of Newstead. Though found to be in remarkable condition, Alex and his team set to work restoring the engine and in 2025, the engine returned to steam at the North Norfolk Railway.

Newstead fills a gap in our line up as a fellow industrial locomotive to work alongside ‘Victor’ during our event. Don’t worry though, Newstead will get to stretch her legs, particularly when she double heads with our headline guest, LNER A4 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ (on the Sunday only)!

The Hunslet completes our sensational 11 locomotive line up celebrating 50 years of our railway. Book now for an advanced discount rate. More information is available via our website: Spring Steam Spectacular 2026 West Somerset Railway 1st - 4th May