"The diesel engine was built by Fowler locomotives in 1939 and spent the next six years shunting shells, bullets and bombs to RAF bases across England and Wales.
However, despite its distinguished service the 40-tonne locomotive fell into disrepair following the end of the war and was in desperate need of restoration.
It will now be returned to its former glory by Locomotive Project volunteers who plan to carry out a full cosmetic overhaul, including stripping, de-rusting and repainting every steel panel.
I am overseeing the work, which takes place at Erwood Station Craft Centre, near Builth Wells, Powys, mid-Wales, from Thursday to Sunday every week.
People of any age are welcome to help complete the exciting community project which has been organized by Friends of Erwood Station.
It's an amazing engine that contributed greatly to the war effort and we are really excited about restoring it for future generations to enjoy because it's got so much history.
It's a great opportunity to get involved in an exciting community project, learn new skills and meet new friends.
If you don't want to get involved on the practical side of the restoration then feel free to come down anyway and watch the work going on.
When the engine is finished it's going to look incredible and be there for you to come back and be proud of your handiwork for years to come.
You don't have to be an expert craftsman or a train enthusiast to help out so we are inviting people of any age to come along and get involved.
The diesel 0-4-0 engine was built in Leeds in 1939 by Fowler locomotives and served throughout Britain during the Second World War supplying RAF bases with ammunition.
However, following Armistice Day the 7m-long locomotive, which is 3m wide and 4m tall, was decommissioned from MOD service after travelling to St Athan Airfield in South Glamorgan was sold to a breaker's yard and spent several decades shunting scrap metal before it was given to the Swansea Railway Preservation Society and finally bought by my father, Alan Cunningham and transported to Erwood Station Craft Centre in 1988.
Tragically my father died of a heart attack in December 2008 aged 63 and I have taken on the business and decided to launch a project to restore the rare locomotive.
The first part of the project, which has already begun, involves stripping the engine down to its chassis and then removing the layers of rust from every panel.
After this painstaking task is completed the locomotive will be re-assembled and eventually finished in dark Brunswick Green paint. So be part of the regeneration project and History."
Article written by Michael Cunningham
To volunteer please contact Michael Cunningham via the Erwood station site which is linked on the right hand side of this page. Photos of the project is updated on the photographers site - this link is also at the bottom right of this page.
