Plan to build Britain's most powerful steam train wants Leeds people on board

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is trying to raise £5m over seven years to build the Gresley class P2 steam locomotive No. 2007 Prince of Wales.

A ‘P2’ roadshow to drum up investors is coming to the Hilton Leeds City Hotel, Leeds on Saturday, December 8.

The initiative has already received pledges for 58 per cent of the £5m needed to complete the new locomotive by 2021.

Project director Mark Allatt said: “We are delighted with the level of support that the project to build Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive has received since construction started only four years ago. Thanks to our supporters’ continued generosity, £1.6m has been spent on construction, £1.9m donated and over £2.9m pledged.”

It has recently hit two new milestones. Wheels and other equipment have been delivered to start the wheelset assembly. And only 12 places remain to be filled in The Mikado Club fundraising initiative to pay for the wheeling of the engine and tender. The club aims to raise £250,000 from 200 members.

Mr Allatt added: “We are confident that we will have completed the rolling chassis in summer 2018 and we remain on-track for completion of the new locomotive in 2021.

“However, to maintain this rate of progress we need to raise more than £700,000 per year, which given the nature of the regular donation scheme becomes more challenging as each year passes.

“We would encourage all steam enthusiasts who haven’t yet contributed to this exciting project to help us to meet these deadlines.”