Steam enthusiasts are in for a treat this month the Watercress Line’s newly restored SR Merchant Navy class locomotive, No. 35005 Canadian Pacific, makes its highly anticipated return to service.

After years of meticulous restoration, this powerful steam giant is set to make a triumphant return to the rails next month, offering exclusive rides and an unforgettable journey through time.

This iconic steam engine was built in 1941 by a team, including many women, working for Southern Railway at the Eastleigh Locomotive Works. It has been brought back to its former glory through the dedicated efforts of the Watercress Line’s expert staff and volunteers.

The project was also made possible through significant funding of £1.25 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

To mark Shrove Tuesday today, railway historian and broadcaster Tim Dunn came along to the Watercress Line to cook pancakes on the newly reconstructed boiler of its iconic steam engine.

His verdict on the result: "Not chuffing bad - it must have been the addition of Canadian maple syrup.”

After a 14-year restoration effort, which involved over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, Canadian Pacific is once again ready to transport passengers back in time.

To celebrate its return, the Watercress Line, which runs between Alton and Alresford in Hampshire, is inviting passengers to step aboard from March 20 to 23 for a nostalgic journey.

Volunteer Steve Wilson, who worked on the restoration, has a personal connection to the project. “Both my parents worked at Eastleigh Works, and to think that my mother may have made parts that are still in Canadian Pacific today is truly special. Seeing the locomotive back in steam is a dream come true,” he said.

The restoration project has been a major undertaking, with volunteers painstakingly repairing intricate mechanical components, reconstructing the boiler, and refurbishing two historic Bulleid carriages.

Brian Carter, another volunteer, described the experience as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” adding, “This project has been a team effort, and I can’t wait to see passengers enjoying the ride.”

Watercress Line’s chief executive Rebecca Dalley, praised the dedication of those involved. “This fantastic restoration of Canadian Pacific is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the generous support of our partners. It’s not just about preserving a locomotive – it’s about keeping our railway heritage alive for future generations,” she said.

Designed for Southern Railway by chief mechanical engineer Oliver Bulleid, 35005 Canadian Pacific featured an innovative design with a mixed traffic designation, providing a wartime service on the South Coast route. It was named after the shipping line providing vital supplies to isolated Britain in the darkest days of the Second World War.

After the war, it was used to haul the luxury boat trains of the mid-20th century, such as the Bournemouth Belle, Royal Wessex, and Atlantic Coast Express.

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Canadian Pacific is a locomotive which tells an incredible story of our industrial past, from its wartime build through to its commercial service pulling luxury boat trains.

“It has now been meticulously restored over 10 years by dedicated volunteers and will be operated by The Watercress Line, preserving and sharing this unique heritage with everyone, now and in the future.

“This year marks 200 years of railway passenger travel, so it is great to announce this new lease of life for the Canadian Pacific in this anniversary year. Since 1994, we have invested over £105 million raised by National Lottery players into railway heritage, ensuring it is valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”

For more information and booking details, visit: watercressline.co.uk/special-days/canadian-pacific-launch.