The General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society has released a strategy update after Swindon and Cricklade Railway advised them that a Merchant Navy locomotive no longer aligned with their future plans.

The news from the Swindon and Cricklade Railway followed on from the National Heritage Lottery Fund choosing not to pass the society’s Stage One bid.

With this news, 35011 will now move to a private site near Templecombe for storage until funds are reached to pay a contractor to start work on the rolling chassis.

An agreement has been made between the society at the Yeovil Railway Centre where volunteers can use their facilities, this will allow for items off 35011 to be removed and new parts fabricated.

Discussions are ongoing with Leaky Finders to start work on the frames, initially making unique frame stretchers required for an original Merchant Navy.

Work is ongoing behind the scenes to produce a Bill of Materials, which underpins future procurement phases.

When 35011 was withdrawn in 1966, it’s crank axle was donated to 35026. This has been a major issue for the society and one that will be addressed in the coming months with design work nearly complete and an order placement for new materials imminent.

When components are procured and funding available, the locomotive will go into the works for restoration and rebuilding.

No company has been selected for this work yet but will be subject to a tender when funding allows.