Railway Mania Podcast

The General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society feature in the latest Railway Mania podcast, episode 17. The 90-minute podcast features myself and two fellow Society Trustees,  Andrew Collett and Steve Rapley (CME) with Corwin Bainbridge discussing our project to restore 21c11 / 35011 back to original condition complete with Bulleid’s chain driven valve gear and air smoothed casing.

The Podcast looks at our ambitious project in detail, we the Trustees answer questions and discuss: the history of 35011; the main issues arising from the project returning her to original condition including: the missing crank axle, replacement middle cylinder, the work being undertaken in cooperation with Loughborough University and the University of Birmingham students on drafting and smoke clearing arrangements; visibility from the cab; the potential liveries and dispels some of the myths associated with casing fires.

More information can be found about the project and how you support and can get involved on my page here or in more detail on the GSNLRS own comprehensive website here. 

35011 Trailing Truck Transformers

The General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society are offering the chance to become a member of an  exclusive club and aid the overall restoration of 21c11/35011 General Steam Navigation by becoming a Trailing Truck Transformer.

The Trailing Truck currently with 21c11/35011 is unique in preservation as being one of the later fabricated type that replaced her original cast type in 1955. All other preserved Merchant Navy locomotives have the cast type. The Trailing Truck  was removed from the frames at the same time as the successful boiler lift on 2nd October 2020. The estimate for the full refurbishment, overhaul and certification of the Trailing Truck by specialist contractors is £15,000.

The GSNLP Society are offering a maximum of 30 members to purchase a ‘Lot’ for £500. Members are welcome to purchase as many ‘Lots’ as you wish up to the maximum target amount. Lots can be purchased as a single payment of £500 per lot or by five monthly payments of £100 each lot.

Members of the Fund Group would receive a number of benefits including:

• Certificate of membership of the ‘Trailing Truck Transformers’
• Name engraved on a suitable brass plaque attached to the refurbished Trailing Truck
• Regular updates on the refurbishment of the Trailing Truck
• invitation to a VIP day at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway to see the completed Trailing Truck once it is returned to the railway.

The dedicated page for the Trailing Truck Transformers Fund Group here, will be updated the members Roll of Honour and also provide updates on the progress of the restoration of the Trailing Truck itself.

Many thanks on behalf of the Society if you are able to support the Trailing Truck fund. Other ways in which you can support the project however great or small can be found here.