THE cash-strapped West Somerset Railway has lost a steam locomotive it was hoping would be restored and used on the line because supporters have been unable to raise the £120,000 needed to buy it from the railway.

The former GWR Large Prairie tank engine 4110, lying unused at Minehead station and in need of a massive rebuild, has now been sold to the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway.

It was hoped that that the West Somerset Railway Association and GWR4110 Ltd, a company formed by members of the line’s mechanical engineering department, would take over the locomotive which WSR plc had bought in 2015, thus releasing much-needed cash for the railway.

But the two organisations were unable to raise the money before the deadline date and other railways had come in with bids.

GWR4110 Ltd was formed by footplate crews and shed staff last December to raise money to buy the 83-year-old engine after WSR pic decided to sell it to raise working capital.

A statement from the group said: “We have come together to explore ways to protect 4110 for the long term future of the railway, as once lost it can never be regained.”

A WSR spokesman said this week: “It is with regret that we have to announce that we have been unable to find a way to keep 4110 on the WSR. As late as January 25 we were still in joint discussions to try to find a way to deliver this objective.

“The WSR plc finds itself in a position where it needs cash immediately and its directors have no choice but to maximise the return to the company in such a circumstance.

“The directors of GWR4110 Ltd and the WSRA trustees understand this is the reason the locomotive cannot be made available at a lower price.”

The spokesman added that the rescue groups worked hard to secure sufficient funds but in the end were unable to make a competitive bid within the required and limited timescale.

“We encourage WSR supporters, including many loco crew and others who pledged financial assistance, not so see this as a defeat.

“Everybody involved in the bid was greatly encouraged by the passion, commitment and enthusiasm shown. It was always a moving target as other bidders were involved.”

As part of the sale, it has been agreed with the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway that 4110 will return to West Somerset to appear at a future gala at no cost to the WSR.

Paul Orrells, chairman of GWR 4110 Ltd said: “To all our friends and colleagues, on the WSR and further afield, who took the trouble to offer their encouragement and support, we offer our thanks”

WSR chairman Jonathan Jones Pratt said: “It was with regret that the decision had to be made to dispose of 4110 but such was done in the best interests of the overall railway and where we stand today.

“The collective buy-in has been tremendous and I wish to thank every one of you who have tried to help, sadly the decision had to be made as we were unable to bridge the gap between offers.”

Paul Whitehouse, chairman of WSRA said: “It was hugely encouraging to see so many WSR supporters come together to try to keep 4110 on the railway.”