Ravenglass needs £80K to overhaul popular 2-8-2 locomotive River Mite

THE Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Preservation Society has launched an appeal to raise up to £80,000 to fund the overhaul of its first steam locomotive, 2-8-2 River Mite.

The overhaul is being undertaken at John Fowler Engineering’s Old Hall Farm at Bouth in Cumbria, with the aim of having it re-enter traffic as soon as possible.

The cost of the overhaul is set to strain the society’s finances, coming so soon after the purchase, importation and restoration of the ‘Train from Spain’, Krauss 4-6-2 No. 8457 of 1929 Whillan Beck, ata total cost of more than £300,000.

At present, the funds for the overhaul of River Mite stand at just £10,000.

River Mite was built in 1966 by Clarksons of York after the society raised the money to pay for its construction. The 0-8-0 frames from the former Poultney steam tender chassis from River Esk were used as the basis of the new locomotive.

It was delivered across the Pennines by traction engine Providence and was commissioned on May 21, 1967, and ever since has been on permanent hire to the railway company.

➜ Anyone who would like to donate to the overhaul fund is invited to send a cheque made payable to ‘Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society Trust’ to David Lees, 31 Water Street, Ribchester, Preston PR3 3YJ – and if applicable, include a Gift Aid declaration form, available by email from treasurer@ rerps.co.uk

Alternatively, visit rerps.co.uk and follow the link to the Steam Locomotive Maintenance Fund to pay by Paypal