AN HISTORIC steam engine has made tracks to Aberystwyth for a much-needed refurbishment.

The Talyllyn Railway’s locomotive Sir Haydn left Tywyn on a low-loader bound for the Vale of Rheidol Railway’s workshops where the engine will be restored to working order.

The locomotive has been out of service since the summer of 2012, although it as made various publicity trips on behalf of the railway.

Steam engines enthusiasts were particularly delighted to see Sir Haydn make a guest appearance at Talyllyn’s 150th anniversary celebrations in July this year.

Now the aim is to have the locomotive back in service for its own 140th anniversary in 2018.

As such, an agreement has been reached with the Vale of Rheidol for a ‘staged’ overhaul, with an initial assessment period to determine precisely what work will need to be done before it can re-enter service by Spring 2018.

A repair fund has already raised £30,000 towards the work, but before thorough checks it is impossible to know exactly how much it will cost to get the locomotive rolling again.

The Talyllyn Railway’s interim managing director, David Ventry, said: “The Vale of Rheidol’s workshops at Aberystwyth are now developing an excellent track record of locomotive repairs and restoration. It therefore makes eminent sense to utilise their specialist facilities to carry out this work."