A PAIR of iconic Swindon-built steam locomotives will return to the town ahead of the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway works in the town.

Steam – the Museum of the Great Western Railway and York’s National Railway Museum have brokered a deal to bring the City of Truro and King George V locos back to their roots.

The finer logistical details have yet to be arranged but the two trains will be back in Wiltshire ahead of the anniversary celebrations in 2016.

Steam’s curator Frances Yeo has said the King George, built in 1927, has a particularly special place in Swindon hearts because of its speed and size.

“King George V is particularly special to Swindon and Steam,” she said.

“Built and released onto the railway in 1927, this locomotive was especially fast and being very large and characterful, is close to people’s hearts, both in Swindon and countrywide.”

The Truro is widely believed to be the first British locomotive to have topped 100mph, although Ms Yeo accepts there is some debate about that.

She said the capture of the two engines is a huge achievement for the museum and is likely to delight rail enthusiasts across the town when they pull into Swindon.

“Having these two famous locomotives coming to Steam is something we’re very excited about," she said.

"For us at Steam, for the people of Swindon and rail enthusiasts everywhere, it’s something to really look forward to.”

Swindon Council chief executive Gavin Jones tweeted last week whilst he was in York to take part in the negotiations.

Including a picture of the two machines, he said: “Success! King George V and City of Truro will be coming to Steam in November. Important icons of Swindon’s heritage.”

Whilst the excitement has built and those in Swindon are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the trains, the National Railway Museum has remained calm and more contemplative over how they will actually be getting to Swindon.

Andrew McLean, head curator of the National Railway Museum in York, said: “We can confirm that after a number of recent discussions, an agreement in principle is in place with regards to Great Western Railway locomotives City of Truro and King George V moving from the National Railway Museum at York to Steam at Swindon.

“However we are still working through the practicalities of this.”