Become a ‘transformer’ for 35011

THE GENERAL Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society, rebuilding namesake 35011, is offering people the chance to be part of an exclusive club and aid its restoration by becoming a ‘Trailing Truck Transformer’. The trailing truck is unique in preservation as one of the later fabricated type that replaced the original cast type in 1955. All other preserved Merchant Navy locomotives have the cast type they carried at withdrawal.

The society is offering ‘Lots’ for £500, including having your name on a plaque on the truck and a VIP visit. For more information please visit www.35011gsn.co.uk

The Society also features in the Railway Mania podcast. The 90-minute episode discusses the project to restore Merchant Navy 35011 back to original condition complete with Bulleid’s chain-driven valve gear and air-smoothed casing. www. railwaymania.net

The unique trailing truck will cost around £15,000 to overhaul and certify by specialist contractors. (GSN)