Class 56 power unit donated to the CFPS
THE Class 40 Preservation Society has been donated a Class 56 power unit by GB Railfreight, which will be used to assist in returning No. 40135 to service.
The ‘Whistler’ has a damaged crankshaft, and that on the ‘56’ power unit is compatible – described by the society’s Chairman, Clive Elverstone, as the ‘holy grail’. The Class 40 was diagnosed with a crack in its crankshaft in 2020, and a full engine strip is required, as well as replacement of the main bearings and big end bearings.
The CFPS has set itself a target to have all three of its locos operational by
2028 and the sourcing of the Ruston Paxman 16RK3CT engine is a major step towards achieving this goal.
Although the power unit has been donated to the CFPS, it is estimated that the associated costs involved will be around £10,000. This includes road haulage, cranage, creation of a concrete hard standing and an industrial tent for dry storage. An appeal to the membership to raise the funds had, by October 24, raised £2703.58. Donations can be made via the CFPS Paypal account at www.paypal.com/GB/ fundraiser/charity/3187049
MORE REGULAR INCOME NEEDED
At the same time, the CFPS has warned that it is currently “punching above its financial weight”. The annual costs of insurance, exam and recertification of No. D345 (40145) come to around £20,000, and the society says it needs donations of around £24,000 each year if it is to continue to operate as it has done in the past. A worst case scenario, if operations have to cut back, would mean No. D345 being withdrawn from main line use at some point in 2023.
The society currently has around 560 members, making it one of the largest diesel groups in the country, but is keen to see this increase to 600 in the coming months.
It has recently upgraded its website – www.cfps.co.uk – to include the ability to buy membership, and other products, online.