GWR chief engineer Charles Collett would be proud to know that a favourite of loco men is to be reborn.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, a new Grange steam locomotive is being built.

The entire class of Granges - all 80 of them - were scrapped.

With ruthless efficiency the systematic process of cutting and scrapping that turned "locos into razor blades" ensured that nothing survives.

A group of "grangers" has been working hard and before too long the building of a new Grange, no.6880, will be the 81st Grange.

It is under construction in Llangollen being built to a 70-year- old design that proves old GWR knows best.

If anyone has any old photographs of a Grange in steam please send it to the Swindon Advertiser.

  • Water - the saga flows on. I have been researching more murky depths of past history concerning water.

A Korean war veteran, Ernie Quince, of Kingshill, has supplied the intriguing photo of his grandfather William Henry Quince, of Montague Street. He is pictured (circled) in 1935 with the Pump Maintenance Gang. If anyone can identify the others, Mr Quince would be very grateful.

  • Much of Swindon's heritage is spread across the four points of the compass. Bringing some of our heritage back home for Swindon people to see is something that I am endeavouring to do this year as Mayor. Please can we have our fire engine back? That is my personal request to the National Railway Museum at York.

This excellent exhibit is tucked away at the NRM and I believe should be on show where it belongs at home in Swindon.

I have requested the manager of Steam to write to the NRM, asking if they will return the pump to the works to display it in the entrance foyer.

What do you think? Is there anyone who was a firefighter at the works or who can remember this appliance?

  • The old Highworth branch line - remember using it? I need help with a photograph of the stations and the road crossing at Stanton. I have a photograph of a live steam model of one of the old locos that worked it. The model is in Arkells Brewery and any photographs or other historical fact, memory or story would be welcome. Please send them to the Swindon Advertiser.
  • There was a train crash at Stratton, around about November 1958 - has anybody any recollection of that? If you have I would like to hear from you.