Support Crew Principal
What inspired you to join the Trust’s management committee, and how long have you been involved?
Was invited to join in 2025 to organize support crew and act as liaison between our group and Locomotive Services Limited (LSL), 2026 is my fortieth year of working on this wonderful locomotive.
What is the most challenging part of your role on the committee?
Compiling the info from the support crew in a simple manner to send to LSL , I would hate to find out that we hadn’t booked a place to stay for an individual or the wrong dates have been booked in error.
What achievement are you most proud of during your time helping to manage The Duke?
Being part of it.
What do you personally enjoy most about working with steam locomotives?
Teamwork and the variety of people you meet that come from all walks of life but share a common interest.
What are the biggest challenges in sourcing specialized skills (e.g., boiler makers, welders, fitters) for locomotive maintenance?
We are luckily working with LSL who have great facilities and engineering knowledge to minimise the challenges we may otherwise face.
What has been the impact of using synthetic lubricants or diverse types of coal on The Duke?
I’m no engineer so I couldn’t comment on the lubricants but as for coal over the years we have used many different sources, Daw Mill, Dow Lea, Welsh, Russian – with and without rock in it to jam the grate!!! Columbian (that was a very hot burning coal and burnt to a honeycomb texture ash) we also have additional rear outer dampers to increase air flow if needed which were fitted a few years back.
What are the biggest financial pressures on the Trust right now?
Like most organizations I guess Money. Having a steady income and making sure the money is spent wisely and forward planning for the future.
What is the long-term vision for The Duke?
We are currently into a ten year running period so out and about in the public eye is a great start – it is always great to show off British engineering at its best whenever possible.
Is there a minimum time commitment expected for someone who wants to take a more active role?
Depends upon the role but in general No, people who volunteer can do as much or as little as they like, however in todays world it is not so easy to just turn up for a couple of hours and get hands on then turn up a month or two later for an odd hour mainly because most places the locomotive is requires PTS or managed procedures which cost money. It is a world away from the early days of preservation when it was beg steal and borrow and health and safety was virtually non-existent.