THE largest and most complicated restoration project ever undertaken by the West Somerset Railway is nearing completion at Williton.

Braunton, a 57 year old giant steam engine rescued from a scrap yard in 1996, is due to trundle onto the tracks in all its firmer glory for the first time for the railway's Autumn steam gala in October.

It'll be the first time the majestic monster has been in steam since 1965.

Completed at Brighton works during November 1946, Braunton spent 13 years working on services between Brighton and Plymouth which included the Southern's longest run, the 200 mile service to Plymouth.

Following a major overhaul and rebuilding at Eastleigh Works in 1959 it was based at Bournemouth working services over the old Somerset & Dorset Railway to Bath.

During its service around the West Country Braunton was entrusted with haulage of the Royal Train between Weymouth and Southampton.

The engine was withdrawn from service in October 1965 having covered 779,210 miles.

Mike Johns, locomotive officer of the West Somerset Railway Association, said: "Braunton is the largest and probably most complicated restoration project we will ever undertake.

"Much new steelwork was needed to make good the ravages of prolonged exposure to salt sea air, and many of the fittings had to be made new to replace those missing or damaged when the locomotive was received.

"We had to revive many long dormant railway engineering skills, which will maintain this skill base at Williton to serve the association and railway well into the future."

The Autumn steam gala is being held over four days from Thursday, October 4-Sunday, October 7.