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- The first group to acquire a Class 31 for private preservation when we purchased 31162 from BR in 1993. The loco was in full working order but extensive bodywork rebuilding was necessary - completed in 1998.
- The first (and to date only) Class 31 to have its steam heating boiler reinstated. 31162 ' s 'Spanner Mk1' boiler (formerly carried by 31225) re-commissioned in early 1999 following overhaul and insurance testing.
- 31108 rebuilt to full working order from scrap condition - major overhaul undertaken 1998-2000
- 31271 rebuilt to full working order from scrap condition - major overhaul undertaken 2001-2004
- The first known Class 31 to work over the ex LSWR 'Watercress line' between Alton and Alresford when 31162 (as 5580) attended the April 2002 Mid-Hants Railway Diesel Gala.
- Reliable operation at a variety of private railways and preservation centres since 1994. Attendance at open weekends, gala events and 'extended working visits' to the Nene Valley , North Norfolk & South Devon Railways.
- Twinning of 31271 with Stratford depot through naming the loco 'STRATFORD 1840-2001' at the National Railway Museums 'Railfest 200' event, 31/05/2004. Naming ceremony performed by the president of the Great Eastern Railway Society'.
- The first known Class 31 to haul a passenger train into Minehead station and the first privately owned Class 31 to work over the West Somerset Railway (31271 WSR Diesel Gala, May 2005)
- 31123 (D5541) acquired in late summer 2005 as an essential source of spare parts, putting the long term future of A1A locomotives fleet of four engines onto a very secure footing.
- Replacement power unit installed in 31418, our fourth loco and longer term restoration project. Replacement bogie from spares loco 31123 fitted in February 2007.
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