Our unique 1922-built steam locomotive, “Littleton No. 5”, has not worked in nearly two decades, and its condition is deteriorating through lack of use. Unfortunately, while “Littleton” and the Trust’s other engines sit idle in the sidings, we have to hire other steam engines to pull our trains. The Avon Valley Railway wants to improve and expand, including an extension to Bath, but our ability to do so is hampered by the hire fees we must pay until our own engines are available.

"Littleton 5" will be sent to steam heritage experts The Flour Mill, to be stripped and assessed, enabling the creation of a detailed and accurately-costed restoration plan. This will enable funding bids to be prepared ensuring that the engine can be restored to working order as soon as possible without reducing the capacity of staff and volunteers at Bitton. "Littleton no.5" is very capable of meeting the AVR's current and future needs, and its return will significantly reduce hire fees.