Latest news & Updates
WORKING PARTIES
Overhaul update – January 2025
The superheater header is probably the most significant and complex piece of equipment that has now recently been reinstalled. Here’s a list of the work
ON THE BLOG
The Duke’s story – A presentation (as featured in Heritage Railway Magazine)
The Trust has a comprehensive presentation about the Duke, including its history and many details about the current overhaul. Here’s how the presentation is structured:
IN THE PRESS
The Duke of Gloucester rises again
Heritage Railway magazine issue 329 (Feb 14 – Mar 14, 2025) has a fantastic 5-page article about the Duke. The article covers everything from its
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.
Why we need your support
The maintenance of the Duke is funded primarily by public support including membership subscriptions, donations and fares paid for rail-tours hauled by the locomotive.
The Duke is currently based at Tyseley and is currently undergoing a Heavy General overhaul in order to return it to mainline operational condition. A number of modifications will also be required in order to maintain compatibility with the latest developments in railway technology. It is the objective of the Trust to have The Duke operational in 2024 and, within the constraints imposed by operation on the 21st century railway, to restore the Duke as closely as possible to its original 1954 external condition and livery on completion of the overhaul.
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.
