Engineer does the locomotion

Colin Hutton • Published 1 Dec 2009 09:00

A FAMOUS Scottish steam engine, which has returned to home shores for the first time in 60 years, is to be restored with the help of a Vale teenager.

Scotrail engineering apprentice Ross Gillies, 18, is one of six people who have been given the chance to work on the 'Mountain Class' engine which was designed and built in Glasgow for South Africa's harsh terrain and vast distance.

The Balloch lad is delighted that he was picked for the special task, which it is hoped will give the apprentices a unique insight into the heritage of their chosen careers.

Ross, who is 18 months into a four-year apprentice engineering (mechanical and electrical) course, said after his first sight of the locomotive: "It's huge - nothing like the diesel trains I'm used to.

"I cannot wait to get started on the restoration.

"It's very hands-on work and will be great experience."

The work, which is being carried out by Eura Conservation, is expected to take the students around six months to complete.

Their project is part of a sponsorship package by FirstGroup which brought Locomotive 3007 home and will see it put on display at the new Riverside Museum on the banks of the Clyde, scheduled for opening in 2011.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 01 Dec 09

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