A steam locomotive will get a Royal makeover to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Commonwealth Games.

To mark the occasion Severn Valley Railway will be repainting and renaming one its trains.

The train formally known as 34027 Taw Valley will be given a new purple livery.

“This is all about making the biggest impact possible,” said SVR chairman Mike Ball.

““We’re putting a huge amount of effort into our celebrations for both The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the 2022 Commonwealth Games which are being held in Birmingham.

“We’re sure that the unusual appearance of the loco will prove a huge draw to visitors.”

The new name will be chosen by public vote.

Almost 1,200 entries were received and a shortlist will be put to the public vote on Monday, February 14.

The winning name will then be cast onto authentic name plates which will be affixed to the engine.

Unfortunately, this will only be a temporary change, with SVR planning to restore the locomotive to its original name and BR green livery later in the year.

SVR’s head of engineering Martin White has explained how the transformation will take place:

“Taw Valley is booked in for its annual boiler exam in early February and following its steam exam will enter the paint shop at Bridgnorth. We expect to have the repaint completed by early April.

“In all fairness, the loco was starting to look a little weather-beaten. With three years still to run on its boiler ticket, a smarten-up was a good idea to avoid further deterioration and enable maximum use of the loco.”

The loco’s owners are in full support of the idea.

Speaking on their behalf, SVR director Phil Swallow said: “We’re delighted that Taw Valley is going to play such a prominent role at the SVR in 2022.

“The rename and repaint will be a very fitting and memorable way to celebrate two extremely important occasions this year. Ultimately, this is a hugely fun thing to do, and whilst it might upset some people, it will contribute significantly to our celebration of these important events and will attract many visitors to the SVR.”

It isn’t the first time that the train has donned an unconventional livery.

In 2000 it was given a maroon paintjob as it was transformed into the Hogwarts Express to promote JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books.

Unfortunately, producers of the film series opted to use the 5972 Olton Hall instead.