A RAIL attraction in St Newlyn East has revealed a vibrant transformation for one of its most iconic locomotives in tribute to an airborne cousin.

Duke of Cornwall at Lappa Valley has been repainted in the striking red and yellow livery of the Cornwall Air Ambulance to serve as a powerful symbol of its charity of the year partnership.

The project was inspired by a visit to the Cornwall Air Ambulance headquarters earlier this year, where the Lappa Valley team noted that one of the charity’s two lifesaving helicopters also bears the name Duke of Cornwall.

The team spent a month and a half repainting its 10 and a quarter inch gauge locomotive in-house to match the iconic emergency aircraft as a unique tribute to its airborne cousins.

Ben Harding, operations director at Lappa Valley, said: “It was clear from our recent charity day that our visitors have a deep affection for Cornwall Air Ambulance

“Duke of Cornwall holds a special place in the hearts of so many, and for it to take on an important role in these famous colours is a fantastic way to keep Cornwall Air Ambulance’s mission at the forefront of people’s minds throughout our 2026 season.”

The locomotive has a long and storied history. Built in 1981 by Severn Lamb, it originally served thousands of families at the Carlyon Bay Railway before relocating to Lappa Valley in the mid-nineties. It was the original and sole engine for the Newlyn Downs Branch Line from its opening in 1995 and is fondly remembered by generations of visitors.

The Duke of Cornwall remains officially out of regular service pending a full mechanical overhaul.

The locomotive is on static display at the entrance to East Wheal Rose where it welcomes visitors alongside informational boards detailing both the history of the engine and the work of the air ambulance.