Welcome to the Duke

Welcome to the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust, custodians of one of Britains most unique steam locomotives – 71000 ‘Duke Of Gloucester’ as known to many as ‘The Duke’…

Join the Duke Family
With membership categories to suit all, we value all of our members equally and everyone will be given the chance to ride behind one of 71000’s early mainline runs for just £10!
Click Here for more information
Volunteer with the Duke
Volunteering with a mainline steam locomotive gives you the wings to be able to explore the country whilst preserving something that Britain was once in danger of losing…
Volunteer
71000 ‘shop’
There’s something perfect for everyone with our exclusive 71000 merchandise..
Click Here to shop
71000 Events
Page coming soon…
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Hire ‘The Duke’
Page coming soon! (Returning to steam in late 2024)
Click Here
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Latest news & Updates

WORKING PARTIES

ON THE BLOG

IN THE PRESS

Our current fundraising challenge

Another challenge to overcome – a new con-rod is needed…

Sadly we have discovered that during our none destructive magnetic partial inspection on the centre con-rod revealed two cracks. Stress analysis of this component has now been completed and a source for manufacture of the forging has been found, along with the required machining. The con-rod is 8ft long x 4in wide x 4.25in deep and weighs around 0.25 tons. The billet to produce this will be in the region of 0.4 tons. The new con-rod will be the fourth to be fitted to the 1954-built machine. The original was replaced during the late- 1950s/early 1960s but was cut up after withdrawal, followed by fitting of another during No. 71000’s 1980s rebuild from scrapyard condition at the Great
Central Railway.

This is quite a set back for us estimated to cost within the region of up to £20,000.

If you wish to help us in anyway with the cracked con-rod, you can do so online by clicking on the ‘Con Rod Appeal’ bar above.

You can also do this by becoming a member of our Duke family, we are still have our target for getting 71000 back for summer 2024, and becoming a member of the 71000 family will give you the chance to ride behind 71000’s first mainline passenger run as well as regular updates and exclusive access to our members area on our website. Our members pay a monthly subscription, based on what they can afford, from a minimum of £5/month. 

Our progress fundraised so far…
50%

Why we need your support

Effective Members currently supporting the duke
0

How you can get involved

By becoming a member of the Duke family.  To do this simply subscribe as a member of the Trust.  See the Membership menu for details.  You will be helping us to fund the return of the Duke to mainline operation and will be making a valuable contribution to the preservation of our railway heritage. There are also opportunities to have a more hands on involvement, for example, working with the support crew or as a member of the sales team. Whatever you choose there will be a warm welcome for you within the new Trust.

Why be involved?

As a member you will receive exclusive updates about the progress of the overhaul, as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses into the process. But, most of all, you make a real contribution to safeguard this iconic engine for future generations. Find out more about Membership and how you can support this much-loved locomotive.