£75k appeal made by Tornado builder for new works rail link

THE A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has launched an urgent £75,000 appeal for track materials to enable its new £4.5 million purpose-built works in Darlington to be rail connected.

The locomotive works is being developed inside Darlington Borough Council’s Railway Heritage Quarter, which will be a focal point for the Stockton & Darlington Railway bicentennial celebrations in 2025.

The trust has agreed to contribute to the project to ensure that the site has a main line rail connection, running track, inspection pits, and other facilities.

Initially the trust is raising funds for the running line, allowing movement around the site and live steam rides.

Furthermore, it is asking supporters to join ‘The P-Way Gang’, with a target of raising £75,000 for track materials.

“The legacy of this initiative will live on to futureproof new-build steam in Darlington and ensure that Darlington Railway Heritage Quart functions as a live steam destination for the UK, as well as a national and international visitor centre,” said a statement.

Join the club

Last year the trust acquired a large consignment of sleepers, which are being stored at Ferryhill awaiting transfer to Darlington. Another 375 sleepers from Nexus were delivered this summer. The trust has also negotiated with Network Rail to buy about 1900 yards of track from the Northumberland Line Project renewal programme at a favourable price.

Donations to the trust’s contribution to the project are needed now because contractor Willmott Dixon will be laying the rails into the floor build imminently. The trust said that any contributions are welcome, but for full club membership, the minimum donation is £500, with £750 sponsoring a full 60ft rail, with the donor’s name going next to that section on the track plan displayed in the new building.

“Our contribution to the overall scheme will ensure a long-term home for the trust at a peppercorn rent for many, many years to come,” the statement continued.

The trust is currently based at the nearby former Hopetown Carriage Works, where new Gresley P2 2-8-2 No. 2007 Princes of Wales is rapidly taking shape.

➜ To donate to The P-Way Gang, or for more information, visit www.a1steam. com/tornado/support-us/a-newhome-for-the-trust

A1SLT An artist’s impression of the new home for The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.

PETER HOLLANDS LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 45596 Bahamas passing through the North Downs at Otford at the head of 1Z82, the Railway Touring Company’s ‘The Kentish Belle’ from London Victoria to Faversham and return on August 4.