‘Duke’ neeDs another £100k to steam in two years
£½m overhaul cost rises by 20% as steaming date is revised to 2020.
A NUMBER OF UNPLANNED ADDITIONAL EXPENSES HAVE PUSHED THE COST UP
An extra £100,000 is needed to complete the overhaul of BR ‘8P’ 4‑6‑2 No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester, increasing the expected £½ million cost by 20%. A number of unplanned additional expenses, including the legal costs to secure the future of the unique Riddles ‘Pacific’ and extra work on the boiler, have pushed the cost up from the original “guesstimate” of £500,000. This was based on a visual inspection of the locomotive by LNWR Crewe, before it was moved to its current base of Tyseley Locomotive Works. The news also means that the completion date – originally anticipated in 2019 – will now move back towards the end of 2020, depending on how quickly the additional funding can be raised. The legal costs of transferring control of the ‘Duke’ from the owning company 71000 Steam Locomotive Ltd to the new BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust came to £25,000. The trust has an agreement for custody of the engine for the next 100 years, with options to extend for a further 50 years before the expiry of each renewal. Trust Chairman Trevor Tuckley explains: “This was essential, as previously it could be argued that charitably donated funds were being used for the benefit of shareholders of the company, which was not acceptable to the Charities Commission.” Another £25,000 is needed for modifications to the engine’s front end to improve reliability (see story below), while additional work on the boiler will cost a further £22,000, including replacement lower sections on the outer firebox wrapper and extensive copper welding on the inner firebox. The trust has also purchased £30,000 worth of shares in Vintage Trains, with an agreement for the Tyseley‑ based firm to act as the ‘Duke’s’ primary train operating company. The engine will be based and maintained at the former 84E depot for the next ten years, during which the railtour operator will use it on at least 12 annual tours, ensuring a regular income stream. It will also be made available for other tour opportunities, and preserved railways with main line connections. A separate appeal aims to raise £40,000 for the overhaul of the ‘Duke’s’ support coach, BR Mk 2 Brake First Corridor No. W17041. Each foot of the 64ft‑long vehicle is available for sponsorship at £500 each, raising £32,000, which will increase to £40,000 with Gift Aid. Donations can be made in a lump sum or in ten monthly payments of £50, and supporters will have their names inscribed on a roll of honour in the coach, as well as being entered into a draw for a ride in the vehicle on a main line tour. Donations can be sent to the trust at Aurora House, Deltic Avenue, Rooksley, Milton Keynes MK13 8LW or made at www.theduke.uk.com
Around 30 of the engine’s 50 new washout plugs can be sponsored at £50 each (SR482) but only six of the old plugs were still available to purchase at £25 each as this issue went to press.