L&MMR Celebrity Shunter Returns Home

The Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway are pleased to announce that their class 08 shunting locomotive, number 08 795, has returned to its former home at Landore depot in Swansea.

08795 is seen back as depot pilot at Landore, two years after leaving. Photo Courtesy of Mike Campbell/Chrysalis Rail

The shunter has been hired by leading UK rail refurbishment specialists Chrysalis Rail Services Limited. The L&MMR acquired 08 795 when Landore closed as an HST servicing depot in March 2019. Still carrying its unique all over black livery and distinctive Landore markings, the 08 was the last locomotive to leave the site when the depot closed and it made the short journey by road to our Cynheidre base.

Chrysalis Rail commenced operations at Landore in late 2019, where they provide comprehensive overhaul works for a number of train operating companies. Their core services include the refurbishment, painting, modifications and repairs to all types of rolling stock running on the UK rail network. Over the past year the L&MMR have worked closely with Chrysalis Rail who supported us in providing storage and technical facilities at Landore for our newly acquired Class 142 Pacer unit.

L&MMR Director David Mee commented “we have developed a good working relationship with Chrysalis Rail at Landore and are delighted to be hiring our class 08 to them. It is fantastic to see the locomotive being used and all of the income generated from the hire will go towards improving the facilities at Cynheidre in readiness for reopening after the recent lock down”.

Chrysalis Rail Depot Manager, Mike Campbell said “I’m delighted that the L&MMR have agreed to hire their shunting locomotive to Chrysalis Rail. Since re-opening Landore as a rail depot our operations on site have steadily grown. Having the shunter will allow us to move rolling stock quickly and efficiently around the yard and depot”.

08795 is loaded onto road transport at Cynheidre on 29th March for the short journey to Landore Depot, Swansea

The Class 08 was one of the most successful locomotives made for British Rail, with a total of 996 class members produced. 08 795 was built as D3963 on 21st May 1960 and first allocated to Old Oak Common. After a long period in the London area it was transferred to Plymouth Laira in 1974 and Swindon in 1975. It served as the Gloucester Station pilot before eventually arriving at Landore in the mid 1990’s. It was repainted several times at Landore in a number of liveries including DCE Grey, Inter-city and First Great Western. In 2013 it was painted into its current distinctive black livery which it carries to this day.

The railway is a charity run totally by volunteers. It is hoping to grow into a major tourist attraction for the Llanelli district and in order to reach our goals we need more volunteer help in all departments including operational, maintenance and restoration, and administration. If you could spare a few hours for what is a most enjoyable pastime and worthwhile cause do not hesitate to get in touch. For more information or to volunteer please visit our website at https://www.llanellirailway.co.uk or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/llanellirailway