It was his pride and joy for decades and wildlife artist David Shepherd was invited to share a nostalgic reunion with his old locomotive Black Prince.
Mr Shepherd made the special visit to North Norfolk Railway to climb aboard the no. 92203 engine.
The steam enthusiast sold the loco to the popular visitor attraction last year.
Built to pull heavy iron ore trains on Merseyside, the engine was acquired by Mr Shepherd from British Rail in 1967.
Mr Shepherd was made an honorary member of the Friends of Black Prince group, which fundraises to maintain the engine.
Friends of Black Prince press officer Edmund Crosthwaite said: 'We formed the group when the loco was bought by NNR and thought it only right to make David an honorary member. We had lunch with him and chatted about his time owning the engine.'
NNR managing director Hugh Harkett added: 'We were delighted to invite David here, he is a very good friend of ours and always welcome.'
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