Restored 1930s train joins Swanage Railway steam gala

The locomotive has been described as "sleek and powerful"

A restored 1930s express steam train is to travel to Corfe Castle and Swanage for a steam gala.

The Gresley A4 Dominion of New Zealand, nick-named "The Streak", entered service in 1937 and was scrapped by British Railways in 1966.

It returned to steam in 2007 following a revamp and joins Swanage Railway's Grand Steam Gala from 9 - 11 September.

Martin Payne, of Swanage Railway, said: "It will be a real treat."

The A4, designed by Nigel Gresley, was originally designed for hauling high-speed express trains on the Kings Cross to Edinburgh east coast main line.

The train, which weighs 167 tonnes, carries eight tonnes of coal and 5,000 gallons of water, will join Swanage Railway's five main line steam locomotives for the event on the Purbeck Line.

Mr Payne said: "With its characteristic streamlined boiler casing - the height of technology and very futuristic back in the 1930s - the 'Dominion of New Zealand' is sleek and powerful; a very impressive steam locomotive in appearance and performance.

"It's not nick-named 'The Streak' for nothing."