The P2 Steam Locomotive Company has announced that Bignall Group, a Shildon based company, in collaboration with Hexagon Metrology Limited of Telford, has sponsored the critical measurement of the locomotive using a state-of-the-art 3D laser tracker system.
Young engineers from UTC South Durham were able to witness the specialist equipment being used. The measurements will allow engineers from the A1SLT to align the four wheelsets within the locomotive's frames.
The sponsorship is a major contribution to the project, not only in monetary value, but it also means the results are precise.
Bignall Group Ltd contacted the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust as the owner is very interested in the design of the locomotive. Upon being shown round 2007 Prince of Wales, he was keen to help the project and liaised with his contacts to use the technology to measure the precise position of the horn block liners.
What did the officials say?
John Bignall, Director of Bignall Group Ltd, commented:
“As designers and developers of engineered products, we are pleased, to be able to work with The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust on their exciting project to build No. 2007 Prince of Wales. We organised Hexagon Metrology Limited alongside UTC of South Durham to visit the works for what was a very educational hands-on experience of the equipment the students are using in their studies.
“We are delighted to support the project to build Britain's most powerful steam locomotive as they share our engineering values”
David Elliott, Director of Engineering, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, added:
“We are pleased to be working with Bignall Group and Hexagon Metrology Limited using state-of-the-art 3D laser based measuring equipment to survey the frames of our new Gresley class P2, No. 2007 Prince of Wales.
“Their sponsorship of the construction of will help the Trust to maintain the progress necessary to complete the new locomotive in 2021.”
Mark Allatt, P2 Project Director, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust concluded:
“We are delighted with the level of support that the project to build Britain's most powerful steam locomotive has received since construction started only four years ago. Thanks to our supporters' continued generosity, over £2m has been spent on construction, over £2.4m donated and over £3.1m pledged.
“We are confident that we will have completed the rolling chassis for No. 2007 Prince of Wales in 2018 and we remain on-track for completion of the new locomotive in 2021. However, to maintain this rate of progress we need to raise more than £700,000 per year, which given the nature of the regular donation scheme becomes more challenging as each year passes. We would encourage all steam enthusiasts who haven't yet contributed to this exciting project to help us to meet these deadlines by becoming a monthly covenantor or a member of The Boiler Club or The Motion Club. It's time to get on board! This year will see further major announcements as the construction of new Gresley class P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales continues to gather pace.”
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