The 532 Blue Peter

On Sunday 22nd November 1970 a ceremony took place at Doncaster Works, British Rail Engineering Limited, in which a restored A-2 Pacific Class steam locomotive formerly named the 60532 Blue Peter was re-named the 532 Blue Peter.

The locomotive had originally been built at the Doncaster Plant Works and gone into service on 25th March 1948 with the livery of the newly formed British Railways. Along with thirteen other new A-2 Pacifics, the 60532 was named after a race horse and the Blue Peter was a famous horse which won the 1939 Derby.

The Blue Peter was sent to Scotland in 1949 and was withdrawn from service in 1966. After standing for two years at Thornton Junction, in 1968 it was purchase by Geoffrey Drury and Brian Hollingsworth who formed the Blue Peter Locomotive Society. The locomotive was restored in the L.N.E.R livery and given the number 532 which would have been her number before nationalisation into British Railways.

On 22nd November 1970 the Society performed a renaming ceremony with Valerie, Peter and John in attendance along with hundreds of Blue Peter fans, old and young who flocked into the Doncaster Works.

Music was played by the York Railway Institute Silver Band and the 532 Blue Peter arrived at 15.00 to be welcomed by the Mayor of Doncaster Alderman Mrs Olive Sunderland and General Manager of Eastern Region, British Rail Mr I M Campbell.

The renaming ceremony was then conducted by Pete, Val and John.

A notable member of the Blue Peter Locomotive Society was Rev. W. Awdry, the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine. 
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