Plans on track to transfer historic locomotive Full steam ahead for engine’s move

Shifting a six-tonne steam locomotive is no easy task, but when it’s stored in a confined space with no obvious means of getting it out, the challenge is harder.

Add to that its exceptional historical significance as the ninth-oldest surviving locomotive in the world, and the Invicta’s move from Canterbury to Whitstable is a headache for all involved.

However, a £70,000 plan of action - to be overseen by specialists - has revealed the ins and outs of the weighty operation.

Currently housed in the former Canterbury Heritage Museum, in Stour Street, the 190-year-old engine will move seven miles north to Whitstable Museum this summer.

Its relocation - unanimously agreed upon by councillors last year - will see the temporary removal of windows and doors at the old heritage museum, which has now become a new drama facility for the Marlowe Theatre.

With a more spacious route being opened up, the Invicta’s chimney and smokebox will be dismantled in preparation for the body of the locomotive to moved.

Its axle bearings will be coated in lubricating oil before it is carefully wheeled along rails out of the building and towards a low loader truck in Stour Street.

After being craned onto the flatbed and covered with protective sheeting, it will be transported to the coastal town - but the route is yet to be decided.

After arriving, the trickiest part of the operation arises, with the town’s high street needing to be entirely closed off.

With no easy way into the museum, the irreplaceable Invicta will be craned over the eight-metre roof and delicately lowered into the courtyard.

It will then be rolled along rails through a new purpose-made entrance into the museum.

The Invicta will then become a main draw at the town centre attraction, with it being the centrepiece of a new exhibition.

Built in 1829 by famed engineers George and Robert Stephenson, the Invicta first operated at the opening of the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway in 1830.

Having been withdrawn from active service in 1839, it is the world’s longest-preserved locomotive.

Brian Hitcham, chairman of the Whitstable Community Museum, said: “So many people will be so pleased to see it when it arrives.

“It’s a nightmare logistically but it will be fantastic to have it on show in the town.

“A tender for the project is set to go out very soon, so a specialist team with experience of handling heavy artefacts will be making sure it goes well.”

The £25,000 costs for dismantling and transport will be covered by the city council, while the rest of the work will be funded by the Whitstable Museum and Gallery Trust.

Plans to create an exhibition area for the Invicta in the museum’s courtyard are also in the pipeline.

The alterations to the former Canterbury Heritage Museum are dependent on approval from city council planners.

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