A RARE historical chance to view locomotives normally based in North America is being offered to rail enthusiasts in the North.

The two A4 class engines Dominion of Canada and Dwight D Eisenhower are on show at Locomotion: the National Railway Museum at Shildon.

The steam locomotives have spent the last 50 years based in the United States and Canada and they are to be on show at Shildon until the end of the month.

During the visit, the Dominion of Canada will be restored to its former London & North Eastern Railway garter blue livery in the Shildon museum’s workshops.

The Dwight D Eisenhower will also undergo restoration work at the National Railway Museum, York.

Dr George Muirhead, museum manager at Locomotion, said: “This is a truly historic international event, which we may not see again in our lifetime.

“We are very excited about the Dominion of Canada restoration project.

“It is very fitting that this will take place in Shildon, a true railway town, using the skills of North-East engineers and painters who will transform the locomotive back to its London & North Eastern Railway livery.”

The visit is part of the events to mark the 75th anniversary of the setting of the speed record for steam locomotives of 125.99mph by A4 class engine Mallard.

A number of events are planned at both the Shildon museum and the National Railway Museum next year to mark the anniversary.

The locomotives are set to be at Shildon until October 21.

More details can be obtained from Locomotion on 01388- 777999, on-line at www.nrm.

org.uk or via email from locomotion@nrm.org.uk.