Group launches Ben Alder project
New project team aims to right wrong of 1967 when 4-4-0 dropped off National Collection list.
One of preservation’s greatest near misses – the scrapping of Ben Alder after it had been set aside for posterity – could be righted, thanks to the launch of a project to build a replica of the Highland Railway 4‑4‑0.
Designed by Peter Drummond and built by Dübs & Co in 1898, Ben Alder was the second of 20 ‘Small Bens’ produced for the Highland Railway between 1898‑1906. The last of the class to remain in service, it was withdrawn in 1953 and subsequently set aside for preservation. It was stored at various sheds, including Boat of Garten on what is now the Strathspey Railway, before it was eventually scrapped in 1967, partly owing to the fact it was in non‑original condition having been rebuilt with a Caledonian Railway boiler.
The team behind the proposed new Ben Alder says replicating the 4‑4‑0 will cost in the region of £1‑1¼ million and take 15‑20 years, depending on fundraising.
New‑Build Locomotive (Scotland) trustee and Scottish Railway Preservation Society ‘8F’ No. 45170 fundraiser Gavin Johnson said: “We know labour rates will naturally rise and material costs fluctuate with markets, so we are wary of making fixed predictions.”
Although the trustees are linked to various Scottish preserved railways individually, the project currently has no base. Mr Johnson explained: “Until we have something of value to offer a heritage site, we are not actively chasing a permanent base. After all, every railway is short of space!
“So far, we have located and acquired about half the required original drawings. Most of the important items are covered and we feel there is enough to complete an engine, with educated guesswork in areas. We are lucky that there are three close relatives still with us, in the form of LSWR ‘T9’ No. 120 and the two ‘M7s’, although that said, there are still many drawings uncatalogued in the main archives in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“The intention is for this locomotive to be built in Scotland, using as many Scottish sourced components and skills as possible. Although we are fully aware that not all the skills required to build a full‑size locomotive are currently available in Scotland, we are delighted to hear the news of the SRPS’ successful application for a heritage grant (see page 15). This could give us a suitable contractor when the time comes.
NBL(S)said it has no intention of taking Ben Alder onto the main line, and added: “We are offering Scottish enthusiasts the chance to see a classic Scottish 4‑4‑0 once again, and to reverse the greatest tragedy to befall Scottish railway preservation.”
For more information about Ben Alder and to contribute to the project, visit www.benaldernewbuild.com