A PAINTING of a famous train, named after Thornbury Castle, has been unveiled ahead of being donated to a school in the town this summer.

The fantastic piece depicting the “Thornbury Castle” locomotive leaving the engine shed in Swindon, where it was built in 1939, was painted by Wotton-under-Edge-based artist Barry Walding, who created it despite never getting a sitting with the train.

Commissioned by the committee of the Thornbury Carnival back in November 2014, the magnificently framed artwork first went on display last month during the Bristol Model Railway Exhibition at Thornbury Leisure Centre, with experts complimenting Mr Walding’s work for its detail and accuracy.

The painting is set to be presented to Castle School headteacher Peter Smart during the final act of this year’s carnival on July 2, which will be displayed alongside the actual train’s original name and number plates in the school.

In keeping with the Thornbury theme, the committee have teamed up with artist, and former Castle School pupil, Richard Edwards from Surroundings in Thornbury, where 200 signed prints of the painting are now on sale.

Mr Walding said: “I am pleased to have received the commission for this unique painting.

“I spent quite a while researching the detail of the locomotive and the external working parts.

“When it was displayed in Thornbury, many locomotive experts commented on the attention detail, so I was very pleased.

“I wanted to get the correct shade of green. Getting the right shade was a very important to get the true finish.

“It is very pleasing that the painting will stay locally and have pride of place at the Castle School where the original name plate and number plate are on display.”

Thornbury Carnival organiser David Goldring added: “Having started the project in November 2014, it is fantastic to see it all come to fruition.

“It has been great to combine so many local aspects, from the artist, to the framing, the school and of course the train itself, into what is a great tale about a local artefact for the town.

“The painting itself is superbly accurate, you can see the time and effort Barry has put into it, and we had many experts compliment the detail at the Bristol Model Railway Exhibition in Thornbury, back in April.”

Castle School headteacher Peter Smart said: “We feel privileged to receive the specially commissioned painting.

“A set of the name and number plates from the locomotive are mounted in our Main Hall and the painting will be a wonderful compliment to this feature.

“As The Castle School marks its 50th year, this presentation will be a key feature of our celebrations.  Our affiliation with the Thornbury Castle Locomotive is fondly associated with the community”