£10,000 appeal launched to complete vital bodywork repairs on ‘Whistler’ No. 40145

THE Class 40 Preservation Society (CFPS) is appealing for funds to undertake urgent bodywork repairs on No. 40145. The ‘Whistler’ is on a year’s hire to Locomotive Services Ltd, Crewe, for main line operation. However, it has had to be withdrawn from use on empty coaching stock and charter trains. Initially, this was for repainting in BR green with small yellow warning panels, but the bodywork’s condition was found to be worse than expected and requires repairs. The additional work needed before the repaint can begin is estimated to cost £10,000, a figure the CFPS had not budgeted for, hence the urgent appeal. When complete, it will return to the main line with LSL, which is operating sister loco BR green No. D213 Andania, also currently on hire. For details on how to contribute to the appeal, visit www.cfps.co.uk