A1 Trust names its V4 – and puts P2 monobloc on display
THE A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has announced that its forthcoming new build project, a Gresley V4 2-6-2, will be named Highlander – a move met with wide approval from its supporters.
The trust announced at its Silver Jubilee Convention in October 2015 that it intended to construct a further extinct LNER design as its next new-build project and revealed the name of No. 3403 at this year’s annual convention at Darlington Locomotive Works on October 22.
Chairman Steve Davies MBE said: “The name Highlander perfectly matches the history of the V4 class, and we look forward to enjoying an emotional and spiritual rapport with Scotland’s railway scene and with the country’s proud people, as well as operating in all other parts of Great Britain.
“Following the tradition of our locomotives having proud military links, we look forward to a strong relationship with the Highland Regiments, which have responded positively.”
Previously described as ‘Gresley’s Rolls-Royce’, the V4 is a type that can travel almost anywhere on the UK rail network – something that other trustowned locomotives cannot achieve due to their size.
The V4 was Sir Nigel Gresley’s last design for the LNER before his death in 1941, with only two ever constructed. They were a lightweight alternative to the V2s that suffered restricted route availability due to their size and weight, with the V4 being more versatile as a result.
Highlander will be adapted to run on the modern network with rolling bearings on all axles, air-braking with vacuum capability, increased water capacity, and an electrical system as per the trust’s other locomotives.
Original drawings have been scanned to enable 3D computeraided design into being, with some materials being acquired already.
It is hoped to launch the project with a Founders Club in the first half of 2023, subject to review by the council of trustees. There is no specific appeal open for the V4 project at present, but any donations made specifically for it are being ring-fenced. Meanwhile, donors attending the convention were also treated to a preview of the new three-cylinder monobloc fabrication for the trust’s current Gresley P2 project, which took a break from machining at Howco, Irving, for the event, where it was unveiled by Steve Davies MBE, commercial director Graeme Bunker and engineering director Ben McDonald.
“The construction of the P2’s three-cylinder monobloc constitutes a seminal moment in the delivery of the locomotive and also represents a further milestone in the engineering achievements of railway heritage more broadly,” said Steve.
“This is an impressive piece of work, and we look forward to mounting it in the frames.”
To date, the cylinder components have been cut and formed, the fabrication welded together, and machining is under way.
The remaining work is to shrink fit the cylinder liners and valve seats then undertake final machining, after which the whole block will be hydraulically tested to one and a half times boiler pressure, which requires many unique covers to be manufactured and associated fasteners fitted. The final operation will be the application of a high temperature paint.
➜ Donations of any amount are still being sought towards completion of the £250,000 monobloc manufacture, with membership of The Monobloc Club also available for £1000, payable in up to eight instalments of £125. For further information, visit a1steam.com/ P2monobloc