Help P2 project by sponsoring a wheel part for Father's Day
SUPPORTER of the project to build Britain's most powerful express steam locomotive are being invited to sponsor a wheel component for Father's Day.
As the £ 5 million project by The A 1 Steam Locomotive Trust to build new Gresley P2 2- 8- 2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales prepares for the delivery of the first heavy motion, only six years after its launch, a batch of wheel- related components has been released for sponsorship.
Progress on the construction of the P2 at Darlington Locomotive Works ( DLW) is moving forward rapidly. The engine has reached the condition where it is recognisably a P2 and the structurally complete tender tank and tender wheelsets are now at DLW.
Construction and assembly work continues on all fronts, including boiler, wheelsets, tender frames, pony truck, heavy motion, pipework and electricals.
Design work for the extensively modified and improved cylinder block is complete, with the focus now turned to adaptation of the Lentz rotary cam poppet valve gear to overcome deficiencies in the original design.
The project's fundraising is also moving forward. The Pony ( Truck) Club, the latest part of the project's donation scheme which launched on April 27, has already reached its initial target of 27 members, raising over £ 32,000, including Gift Aid.
Overall, the project has received pledges of almost £ 3.75 million, but to complete the P2 over the planned seven- to- 10- year period, at least £ 700,000 must be raised every year.
In addition to being able to sponsor one of the 18 spokes of the 6ft 2in driving wheels for £ 600 ( or £ 25 per month for 24 months) or even a whole driving wheel for £ 12,000
( or £ 250 per month for 48 months). Other components available for sponsorship range from a pony truck castellated nut for £ 20; a Cartazzi axlebox manganese steel liner for
£ 36; a leading coupled axle box locomotive bolt for £ 74; or the pony truck axle at £ 4200 ( or £ 70 per month for 60 months). People who subscribe will have their names ( or the name of the person the gift is for) inscribed on the official roll of honour at DLW.
Trustee Mark Allatt commented: "With almost £ 2.5 million spent, almost £ 3 million donated and almost £ 3.75 million pledged to date - almost 75% of the required
£ 5 million - we remain on track for completion within three years. This initiative is a unique opportunity for supporters to have their father or grandfather's name associated with a component of No. 2007 and the funds raised will help to ensure that Prince of Wales will be corn pleted on schedule:'
➔ If you would like to sponsor a wheel component, email dedicated. donations@p2steam.com for more information. F orm ore information on how to help the project, visit www.p2steam.com, email enquiries@p2steam.com telephone 01325 460163.