£6,000 appeal underway for project at GCR

WORK is underway on a new restoration project at the Great Central Railway following a successful start to a campaign to raise £6,000.

Renaissance Railcars, which is a group of Great Central Railway volunteers, need to raise the money to get number 50203 back into service.

The vehicle, which is the oldest member of Renaissance’s fleet, turns 60 this month.

It arrived at the GCR back in 2003 and was stored away, awaiting its turn in the restoration queue.

Not only does it require body work, but control gear reinstalling and rewiring and hundreds of pounds have already been raised.

Tom Ingall, of Renaissance Railcars, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has donated so far.

“This is an appeal where small amounts really do make a difference.

“With hundreds raised to celebrate the significant birthday of number 50203, we look forward to pushing the work forward.

“If you haven’t donated yet but would like to do so, we’d really welcome your contribution.

“The aim is to have a second DMU set available for traffic on the GCR as soon as possible.

“This will allow the railway to develop services.”

It is expected that 50203 will be painted in the mid-1960s livery of all over rail blue and partnered with vehicle number 50266 which will also be repainted from its current unlined green livery.

To donate to the appeal, please send a cheque made payable to the David Clarke Railway Trust to DCRT, Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1SL .You can also visit www.gcrailway.co.uk/ 2017/ 03/ renaissance-railcars-appeal/ to download a Gift Aid form.