The Unique ‘Duke’
Welcome to the Duke
Welcome to the website of the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust, custodians of Steam Locomotive number 71000 Duke of Gloucester.
Known by many as “The Duke”.
Latest News & Articles
WORKING PARTIES
Extra Special Table Lamps – Bidding ended!
These table lamps were for sale, though an open bidding process. Dave Oliver, our Engineering Principal has made these two table lamps from the exhaust
ON THE BLOG
Trackside – January 2023: DoG Days Members Day report
The January 2023 edition of Trackside includes a full-page ‘DoG Days’ report on the Trust’s Members’ Day held at Tyseley on 19 November 2022. It
IN THE PRESS
The Railway Magazine: Steam & Heritage
The January 2023 edition of The Railway Magazine announces that the Duke’s cab has been returned to the loco. The report also refers to
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 available for hire during the last quarter of 2022 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.
