‘DUKE’ REACHES STARTING LINE

Duke of Gloucester’s team is searching for more members as it warns that beginning the overhaul at Tyseley “has only placed us at the starting line”. Writing in a ‘New Year’s message’ for January, BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust Chairman Trevor Tuckley announced that by the end of December more than £125,000 had been raised, and over £40,000 per year is now coming in from members. Nevertheless, with the current ‘heavy general’ expected to soak up £650,000, more needs to be done if No. 71000 is to return to the main line by the end of 2018 as hoped. Setting out his arguments in favour of Britain’s last express steam design, the ‘Duke’ chairman says he accepts that “enthusiasts are really spoilt for choice” with various schemes for ‘new-build’ engines, but argues that No. 71000 “is different.” “It is not a new-build, nor a missing link. It is a re-build of this unique and final development of British steam locomotive design of which there will never be a newbuild. It will always be, as history will record it, unique.” Work on dismantling Duke of Gloucester is now well under way at Tyseley, where the 1954-built ‘8P’ arrived in time to take part in the October open weekend (SR447). A boiler lift should take place this spring. The Riddles engine has not steamed since 2012, with the current trust being set up as a membership and fundraising organisation in November 2013. Trevor praises the “tremendous commitment” in getting No. 71000 this far of the ‘Duke Management Committee’ - Ron Mitchell, Steve Wakeland, Ken Grubb and Stuart Sladdin supported by Jim Burrows, Ian Murray and Alex Neal. Says Trevor: “The start of the overhaul within two years of the trust’s creation is a significant achievement, but has only placed us at the starting line; we must now build upon what has been accomplished and complete the tasks we have set ourselves. You can be part of this exciting adventure and help secure it in main line condition for future generations to enjoy by joining us as a member.” For membership details, visit www.theduke.uk.com