A 19th century tank engine twice saved from the scrapyard to become the only survivor of a class of 300, will be a star performer at West Somerset Railways’ (WSR) autumn steam weekend later this month.

Built in 1888 by the London and North Western Railway at Crewe, number 1054 has had a number of lucky escapes to become the only ‘Coal Tank’ to still be in working order 138 years later.

It was withdrawn from service and sent for scrapping at the start of 1939 but World War Two started before it could be cut up, and the increased demands placed on the railways saw it reinstated and later sent to Abergavenny in 1954.

In 1958, number 1054 hauled the last passenger train to run between Abergavenny and Merthyr, double heading with an LNWR ‘Super D’ 0-8-0 49121.

That was its last planned outing and it was sent for scrapping at Crewe, only to be saved once more, this time after a public appeal.

Today, the veteran with a charmed life is cared for by the Bahamas Locomotive Society after time spent with the National Trust at Penrhyn Castle, and will be appearing in the WSR gala from September 25 to 27.

Now running on the Keighley and Worth Valley railway, 1054 will return for its second visit to West Somerset, following a popular gala appearance in 2024.

Once again, the WSR’s resident fireless steam loco ‘Boots No 1’ will feature during the steam weekend.

Last month, ‘Boots’ was on duty in Minehead during filming for a television programme to be shown in the autumn.

Rover tickets giving all-day travel during the weekend, excluding the Quantock Belle dining train which must be booked separately, can be purchased at a discounted price from the WSR website or by calling 01643 704996.