A FORMER royal train locomotive was given a new home yesterday, when it became part of the national collection.

Prince William, a class 47 loco, number 47798, was officially presented to the National Railway Museum, in York, by freight operator EWS.

The engine has been dedicated to royal duties for more than ten years during, which time it has been used throughout the UK. It carries the livery of royal claret to match the train it pulled.

One of a class of 512 locomotives, it first entered service in 1965 and has now been replaced on royal duties by EWS's new 125mph class 67 engines.

Stuart Boner, engineering director of EWS, said: "Prince William has served the railways and the Royal Family well for almost 40 years and can now enjoy a well-earned retirement."

Museum head Andrew Scott added: "It is a marvellous example of the class 47 locomotives which were the largest-ever class of mainline diesel locomotive built for the UK rail network and were used on all sorts of trains from express passenger to freight.

"Visitors will now be able to view it alongside its fellow icons and gain insight into its individual significance."

Published: 05/06/2004