MONEY ROLLS IN FOR COLOSSUS FRAME APPEAL
An appeal to raise money for the frames of new-build 15in gauge Bassett-Lowke ‘Class 60’ Colossus has secured 30% of the required support weeks of being launched.
The Gigantic Locomotive Company is seeking 60 supporters to donate £60 each; each supporter will have his or her name permanently stamped on the frames, receive a certificate, and a Jonathan Clay print, as well as a regular newsletter and an invitation to the first running days of the new engine. Project co-founder Jordan Leeds reported that 15 people signed up in the first 24 hours, “which for an online appeal is pretty good.”
Meanwhile, the tender tank has been ordered from RD Moore Ltd of Coalville and it is hoped that the tender framework, save for air-braking pipework and ancillaries, should be completed by the time this issue goes on sale, while the tender dragbox components are also “in hand.”
Added Mr Leeds: “The tender bogie bolsters are now cast and are to go away for machining shortly. The front bogie frames should be cut shortly and erected with the tie bars.
“Going forward, thoughts are turning towards the boiler, casting of the cylinders, bogie wheels and driving wheels. Initial discussions have been had with John
Glaze regarding the boiler and we would like to start over the winter with this work, which is to be worked on an as-and-when basis by a subcontractor.”
As the original Colossus had been ordered by Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway co-founder Captain J.E.P. Howey, Mr Leeds added that he hoped Colossus would be finished in time for the RHDR’s 100th anniversary in 2027, but described this as a “loose target”.
He added: “We would welcome anyone who would be willing to volunteer and could perhaps undertake homework jobs on smaller components.”
For further information or to sign up please email:
colossuslocomotive@outlook.com or call 07773 185342.