Actually this is not quite the first new-build steam locomotive in the Uk for 50 years, as there have been new-builds for narrow-gauge; as per below examples quoted from Wikipedia
Graham Lee, in business with an engineering works situated at Statfold Barn Railway near Tamworth in Staffordshire, has in 2005 and 2006 constructed two new Quarry Hunslet locomotives (named Statfold and Jack Lane) similar in appearance to Irish Mail pictured above. In January 2007 Jack Lane was offered for sale by the manufacturers for £152,750 (Railway Magazine, February 2007). The third of a series of four locomotives is currently under construction.
Whilst checking this on the internet, I saw this youtube link, showing a 1946 Hunslet loco having some trouble with a rake of wagons, and requiring ''human-power''
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa2ZrYolKBk&feature=related#
Graham Lee, in business with an engineering works situated at Statfold Barn Railway near Tamworth in Staffordshire, has in 2005 and 2006 constructed two new Quarry Hunslet locomotives (named Statfold and Jack Lane) similar in appearance to Irish Mail pictured above. In January 2007 Jack Lane was offered for sale by the manufacturers for £152,750 (Railway Magazine, February 2007). The third of a series of four locomotives is currently under construction.
Whilst checking this on the internet, I saw this youtube link, showing a 1946 Hunslet loco having some trouble with a rake of wagons, and requiring ''human-power''
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa2ZrYolKBk&feature=related#