The Watercress Line has been crowned Steam Locomotive of the Year at the Heritage Railway Association Awards after restoring one of Britain’s most celebrated express engines to working order. Merchant Navy Class Bulleid Pacific No. 35005 Canadian Pacific returned to steam in March 2025, ending a 19-year hiatus, and was named the top locomotive restoration in the UK.
Built in 1941 and rebuilt in 1959, the locomotive was the centrepiece of a £2.4 million project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Over 200 volunteers, staff, and apprentices worked across workshops in Hampshire to revive the engine to mainline standards. The project marked the first full restoration of a Merchant Navy Class locomotive in three decades.
Key Points
- ✅ First Merchant Navy Class locomotive restored to steam in 30 years
- ⚡ 200+ volunteers, staff, and apprentices contributed to the decade-long project
- 💡 £2.4 million restoration funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, called the award the “Oscars” of the heritage rail industry. “This recognition validates the resilience, craftsmanship, and collaboration that defined this project,” she said. “Canadian Pacific’s return to service is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to preserve history.”
| Aspect | Before Restoration | After Restoration |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Status | Out of service since 2006 | Returned to steam in March 2025 |
| Condition | Structurally compromised, missing major components | Fully operational, restored to mainline standards |
| Crew Training | None required | New team of certified steam drivers trained |
The awards ceremony also recognised Daniel Ball, the railway’s education and outreach coordinator, as a Rising Star. Ball was commended for transforming the organisation’s learning programmes, introducing digital workshops, school partnerships, and community events that have engaged over 12,000 people since 2022. “His work has redefined how we connect with new audiences,” Dalley said. “By making heritage relevant, he’s ensuring the railway’s story continues to inspire.”
📋 By The Numbers
- 12,000+ — People reached through education programmes since 2022
- 200+ — Volunteers involved in the Canadian Pacific restoration
- 19 — Years the locomotive was out of service
The Heritage Railway Association Awards, now in their 25th year, celebrate the unsung efforts of Britain’s heritage railways. From the Scottish Highlands to the South Downs, teams across the UK preserve everything from vintage carriages to signal boxes, keeping the spirit of rail travel alive for future generations.
💡 Pro Tip
Volunteers interested in steam locomotive restoration should start by joining a local heritage railway. Many offer training in metalwork, boiler repairs, and driving, providing hands-on experience under expert supervision.
The Watercress Line, based in Hampshire, has operated since 1977 and carries over 100,000 visitors annually. Its latest accolade reinforces its status as a cornerstone of British railway heritage, where history is not just preserved—but actively lived.
