Restoration of popular former train in city park on track

21 September 2016

A £60,000 refurbishment on a former working train which entertains hundreds of children at a popular city park is on track to be finished in the next few weeks.

Mr Therm and his carriages, which are stationary and are used as play equipment, were dismantled in May and have been getting repairs and will be painted before being installed back into Seaton Park.

Youngsters have been asked to send Mr Therm some pictures they have drawn to keep him happy during his ‘holiday’. A postbox for the letters was created in ‘Little Therm’ which is a miniature version of Mr Therm which the contractors David Ogilvie Engineering built for the project.

Aberdeen City Council Communities, Housing and Infrastructure vice convener Councillor Jean Morrison said: “Mr.Therm is a much-loved feature in Seaton Park and I’m sure lots of youngsters wish him a speedy ‘recovery’ back to his brightly painted self.

“He is looking much better already and we’re looking forward to his return to the park in the next few weeks.”

Mr Therm was used for transporting coal from Aberdeen harbour and with the closure of the former gas plant in the 1970’s. Mr Therm was transferred to Aberdeen Council for preservation, where the engine was placed in the play area at Seaton Park in 1974.

Aberdeen City Council worked with Friends of Seaton Park on the project, which provided in-kind contributions.

Friends of Seaton Park Chairwoman Sheila Gordon said: “It would be wonderful if more children could send some pictures to Mr Therm as he will be feeling lonely just now and missing the youngsters’ chatter and fun.

“He is such a popular feature in the park and we are excited to see what he will look like with his refurbishments and new coat of paint.”

David Ogilvie, Managing Director of the contractors firm which is carrying out the work, said: “We have been delighted to be part of Mr Therm’s refurbishment.

“Originally built in Kilmarnock by Andrew Barclay & Sons, all our staff have taken a great interest and enjoyment in watching the extensive works come together bit by bit, Although the rejuvenation work still continues on Mr Therm, we all look forward to the day when once again the locomotive will look grand and stand proudly back in Seaton Park for all to see.”

The refurbishment is part of Aberdeen City Council’s £130,000 spend on Seaton Park.