The Great Western Society's GWR steam locomotive 1466 is scheduled to steam at the Didcot Railway Centre next year as part of the Society's 60th Anniversary.
Work on the locomotive is progressing well, but with no visitor income, the Didcot Railway Centre has launched a £60,000 appeal to make sure the locomotive doesn't miss the 60th Birthday Bash.
Most of the work on the £300,000 project has already been done, with repairs to the wheels and motion mostly complete, and the locomotive close to being a rolling chassis once more.
Extensive boiler work is still required to be completed, including a new foundation ring, new smokebox, copper welding to the firebox and the replacement of tubes and crown stays.
The work is being completed by Western Steam Engineering, and providing funds are raised, 1466 will return to Didcot in early 2021.
“The locomotive has very special place in Didcot's history,” explained Marketing and Events Manager, Graham Hukins, “It was an appeal to save a 14XX almost six decades ago that led to the creation of the Great Western Society and, in turn, to establishment of Didcot Railway Centre and its growth to become the 21-acre living museum it is today” he added.
The Didcot Railway Centre, complete with an original 1932 Engine Shed, now houses the World's most extensive collection relating to one railway company.
“We're determined to return 1466 to steam, ready to take her rightful place at the heart of the Society's 60th Anniversary celebrations next year, but the current enforced closure means we cannot fund the work from admission income so we're asking for some help to get the delightful, octogenarian tank engine back on the rails” explained Graham.
To donate to the 1466 Appeal, please click here to visit their website.
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