Wadebridge was taken out of service last year when its 10 year Boiler Ticket expired. The locomotive is currently waiting an overhaul, but it will be a number of years before the boiler can enter the Ropley boilershop.

An opportunity has arisen to send Wadebridge to an outside contractor to have the boiler overhauled. Although a substantial amount of money has been earmarked for the restoration but it is insufficient to complete the job.  The Mid Hants Railway are running a Fast Track appeal and if you donate via the Mid Hants Railway your name will be entered into a draw, the winner of which will receive the 72A Exmouth Junction shedplate that has been on Wadebridge's smokebox during its final years of running on the Watercress line.

Visit the Mid Hants Railway's appeal for further information.

Wadebridge was at the Great Dorset Steam Fair on 25th August 2017. Wadebridge was still renumbered as 34019 (Bideford) and appeared weathered. Here are two links to photographs from the event.

K Hardy Railway Photography

Southern Road Steam Photography

There is also a YouTube Video by Aiden Strand covering all of the Steam Fair. Wadebridge is seen after 10 minutes and again after 31 minutes.

Wadebridge will feature as part of the commemoration of 50 years since the era of stream trains ended at Eastleigh on 15th and 16th July 1027.

Wadebridge will be renumbers as Bideford for this event. For further information visit Eastleigh Celebration of Steam

Wadebridge on the morning of the last day of steaming

Whilst the locomotive is awaiting its overhaul work is continuing with the tender. The picture shows one of the six horn stays which are fitted to the frames. A test fitting of an axlebox has recently been undertaken. More details can be found on the Mid Hants Railway's Roply blog.