THE last steam locomotive to be built in Swindon is being lovingly restored by the workers who knew her best.

The 130-tonne Evening Star steam engine was the last of her kind to be built by British Railways at the Swindon works 48 years ago.

She returned to the town on Wednesday from the National Railway Museum in York to much excitement from train lovers here.

Volunteers were up all night unloading the new arrival and positioning it in Steam in Kemble Drive, before spending many hours polishing the train’s bodywork.

Ted Abear from West Swindon was a fireman as a 16-year-old and worked on the Evening Star.

Now 78, the volunteer was busy cleaning the engine before the public got their first glimpse yesterday.

“The engine ran well and it was easier to fire than other engines,” said Ted.

“You didn’t have to bend your back so much to keep the fire going.

“If I was given £1 for every shovel of coal I would be a millionaire by now.

“It was hard work but if the fireman didn’t do his job then nothing could run.

“The Evening Star was built for freight use and would carry coal and minerals.

“Some drivers and firemen would put a name plate up on the side window to show who was in the cabin. It was a proud thing to do.”

Another volunteer scrubbing the engine was 62-year-old Ed Houghton from Eldene.

“Although it was built for freight use, it could turn its hand as a passenger train,” said Ed, who was born in Old Town.

“It was used on the Somerset and Dorset railway and also from Bristol to Cardiff.

“It could go up to 90mph and in one case I think it pulled more than 2,000 tonnes, which was some kind of record.

“I was part of shed duties cleaning the locos before becoming a fireman at 16.

“I worked for six years on the railway between 1961 and 1967.

“It was the best time of my life.”

The Evening Star cost £33,500 to build and was one of 53 built in Swindon.

It is one of seven preserved in the country – 251 were produced overall. The loco, number 92220, was the only member of its class to be given a name.

It was called the Evening Star after Western Region staff won the right to name in a competition.

Keith Ward, 65, from Stratton, added: “I remember when she left Swindon all those years ago. She’s on loan for two years and it’s lovely to have her back.

“I think a lot of people in Swindon will be interested in seeing the Evening Star back where she belongs.”