Appeal launched to help G5 team raise £25k for connectxing rods and links
BUILDERS of new LNER G5 0-4-4T No. 1759 have launched a £25,000 appeal to cover the cost of two connecting rods and two straps to link the pistons to the crank axle.
The Get Connected appeal has the aim of asking for individual contributions of £180, either as a single payment or in instalments.
Contributions can be made as a donation or, for those giving £100 or more, taken as shares in the Class G5 Locomotive Company Ltd, which is making rapid prºgress with building the locomotive at its unit in Hackworth Industrial Park, Shildon.
Daniela Filová, the former assistant mechanical engineer of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, has set up a machining business in the same industrial estate, and the G5 company has commissioned her for several machining jobs.
Daniela has started the machining of the two cylinder covers and the valve chest covers, and has completed the manufacturing of a full set of studs, for when the sets of covers are fitted.
Drawings of the tanks by Alan Parkin are being reviewed and the company was looking to finalise discussions with potential suppliers before choosing a fabricator.
The eccentric sheaves drawings are complete and company secretary Tim Taylor is in discussion with potential suppliers regarding costings and lead times for the patterns and castings.
Project engineer David Elliott recently visited for a construction meeting with Tim and company chairman Mike Wood, to approve progress so far, as well as work required for the future including planning the position of the pipework while the frame is accessible.
The company holds open days on the first Saturday of each month from 10am to 1pm. It is involved with the Friends of Stockton & Darlington Railway which is organising events for the 2025 bicentenary.
➜ Details of how to support the project can be found at www.g5locomotiveltd.co.uk and at www.facebook.com/G5Loco