duke of gloucester

WSR Spring Gala Timetable

2012-01-30T16:49:00.002Z

Timetables have now been published for the West Somerset Spring Gala 2012.

The Trust can confirm that 71000 sales will have a stand at Minehead station for both weekends.

On offer will be a comprensive range of 71000 memorabilia to include ties, sweaters, caps, DVDs, mugs and much more.

We look forward to meeting you there.

71000 faces challenge to take part in ELR Gala

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000Z

Last weekend's ELR Gala threw up a few challenges for the team. We met on Friday night at Bury to test the new systems we have installed over the past few months. Adrian Meakin and his team had the loco ready for testing, with a nice glowing fire and 150psi on the clock. We started the air pump, and within seconds it was clear we had a leak. Gary Shannon crawled in and traced it to a new fitting on the "wet tank" outlet. A couple of attempts to secure it failed so we had to remove the whole pipe - tricky over a pit with plenty of light but damn near impossible outside with torches and no pit, but we managed.

It was a faulty cone fitting so we had to remove it and braze on a new one with more struggling to refit the pipe. Then another test and another leak but much smaller this time (you can't hear the little ones till you fix the big ones). This one was in the steel pipe from the compressor head to the aftercooler. There are a number of joints which I welded, two of them had a pin hole in them. Devastated, we removed this pipe too, calling time on the night's activities at 9.30 pm. We still had to move the engine after explaining we would not be ready first thing in the morning. The three of us trudged into the Trackside at 10pm and instantly cheered up!

An early start saw us waiting for one of Riley's welders to turn up to repair the pipe as the ELR's machine burst into flames welding our tender tank the week before. A two hour wait and no sign of Riley's man meant I would have to weld it again. Of course, we had to obtain permission to use one of Riley's machines so another wait then! Now with the new spirit of cooperation we enjoy, not only can we use Riley's welding machine, but also his benches and grinder!

Obviously I carried out my best weld ever, and when we tested it, first with dye penetrant fluid, then on the engine, no leaks were found.

So, ready to go then? No, not quite. A full brake test found a steam leak from the small ejector vacuum pipe inside the 'S' bend between the duplex valve and the boiler trunking, half way up the left side of the firebox. Investigation found the pipe to be fractured due to fatigue. This pipe is very long and expands around 3/4 inch in length when you open the steam valve, all of the expansion is taken up in the 'S' bend, just a matter of time then. With little hope of having a suitable length of 7/8 inch steam pipe, joints and cone fittings, we had to fail the engine. It was late morning, and none of us having had any breakfast, we were pretty low by this time. While I went off in search of food, Gary and Liam went in search of copper pipe and fittings which amazingly they found!

Next job with the loco in the shed, smoking it out, Liam removed the rearmost trunking section (not pleasant when it's just been beautifully painted) to find a joint section, about a foot in from the offending bend, with this split with some oxy-acetylene, a new section could be made. We bent the new pipe to match, brazed the new cone on, which is required to screw the pipe end to the duplex valve. Derek Turner machined the joint coupling on the lathe, and when this was finished, Gary and I brazed the new pipe on in situ, wobbling around on ladders, half way up the boiler. A quick test with steam proved the repair to be sound Another half hour fiddling saw the trunking back on. A further half hour saw our loco off shed and away to take the 16.05pm train to Ramsbottom. A fantastic sight and a fantastic effort, thanks to all involved.

Simon Holroyd, Deputy CME

New spark arrestors fitted

2012-01-21T08:13:00.000Z

Fire risk, caused by sparks from the chimney and hot cinders from the ashpan, has been a problem that has existed since steam motive power became a reality.

Fortunately, the Duke lends itself to being covered underneath by various types of meshes so the risk of fire from the ashpan through hot cinders is not a big issue.

To prevent the emission of sparks from the chimney the Duke has a dual spark arrestor system fitted around the chimney assembly to attempt to ensure that any particles passing through the arrestor would be so small as to not start a lineside fire.

The meshes on the Duke's arrestors are now being replaced after 8 years of good service.

Support crew member Ken Wilcock has already completed one of the two interlocking screens and is now on with the second.

71000 on the North Wales Coast: 1990

2012-01-21T01:29:00.000Z

Fantastic pacing shot of 71000 on the North Wales Coast. Shot from the A55 on the 19th December 1990.

This and many other fabulous clips are on this fantastic PSOV DVD.

Two hours and five minutes of non stop Duke action.

This DVD can be purchased from the Trust at a discounted price of £12 plus £1.50 postage to all UK mainland addresses.

Please make cheques payable to Phoenix Heritage Rail Ltd (the trading subsidiary of the Trust) and send to:

David Brown
Phoenix Heritage Rail Ltd
11 Stirling Close
Woolston
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 4DW

ELR launch for newly painted Duke

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000Z

71000 Duke of Gloucester has spent its entire life in preservation, painted in two pack acrylic spray paint. The first time this was done in the late 80s, the finish was very durable and looked superb. A repaint in 2004 was not such a success with the loco starting to look rather tatty, so we decided on a partial repaint to see us through to the end of the engine's ticket. This time it is being brush painted like it was in BR service - only better! The boiler, running boards, buffer planks, piano front and tender have all received attention.

The work has been entrusted to Ian Hewitt and his team at Heritage Painting who have battled the elements over the Christmas period to get the job done, with the deadline for completion being the January 21st/22nd Winter Steam Gala at the East Lancs Railway. The finish is superb, better than we could have ever hoped for and, whilst not quite finished as I write this, we are very exited at the prospect of seeing the finished article next week in the sunlight, as we prepare for a weekend's running.

See you there

Simon Holroyd, Deputy CME

ELR Winter Steam Gala

2012-01-14T21:18:00.002Z

The Duke of Gloucester's next appearance will be at the East Lancashire Railway's Winter Steam Gala on 21st and 22nd of January 2012.

At the gala there will be a sales stand selling a range of 71000 steam memorabilia.

New for the gala will be a 71000 branded tie, a 71000 embroidered sweater available in large and extra large and a new booklet on British Caprotti valve gear.

Of particular interest is the offer for sale of a number of items from the Trust vaults including one limited edition framed print by Mark White commissioned by the Trust in 1996. The print below has been presented to the Trust by Mark.

Also on offer is a large framed print of the "Children in Need Special" with 71000 hauling the first steam train out of Euston in 1995 since the end of steam.

Not only will there be 71000 branded memorabilia but also new items such as framed prints, DVDs and books of general steam interest all at very reasonable prices.

Credit and debit cards are welcome so you will be able to take advantage of our tremendous offers.

All proceeds go toward the upkeep of the locomotive and all our staff are unpaid volunteers.

A young 71000 enthusiast

2012-01-10T16:18:00.000Z

Photo of Angela Pepper at Loughborough

A rare occurrence!

2012-01-06T17:06:00.003Z

Memories of a warm summer's day: July 2010

2012-01-03T17:12:00.001Z

Merry Christmas from 71000

2011-12-23T11:54:00.001Z

Merry Christmas to you all. Wishing you a Happy Christmas.

From all at 71000 Trust.

Photo copyright: Tom Holland

West Somerset Railway Steam Gala 2012

2011-12-23T08:34:00.001Z

The Duke of Gloucester will be attending the West Somerset Railway Steam Gala in 2012. We look forward to another visit to West Somerset Railway.

71000 at Burrs

2011-12-11T19:17:00.000Z

Photograph copyright: Graham Williams

East Lancs Railway Santa Special

2011-12-11T19:12:00.001Z

For details of the ELR Santa Specials, please visit the ELR website.

The Duke at Wolverton

2011-12-05T19:24:00.001Z

The Duke at Burrs, Bury

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000Z

Photograph copyright: Graham Williams

The Great Gathering at Crewe Works

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000Z

Photograph copyright: Graham Williams

71000 on a low loader

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000Z

Photograph copyright: Graham Williams

Exeter and Plymouth with Steam Dreams

2011-11-13T19:04:00.001Z

The Duke is scheduled to be one of the engines hauling the Steam Dreams tour from London Paddington to Exeter and Plymouth on 10th March 2012. For more information, please refer to the Steam Dreams website.

Great Central Railway

2011-11-13T15:30:00.000Z

Great Central Raiway,Loughborough, Leicestershire, a photo by norman-bates on Flickr.

The Recommissioning of 71000: 11th November 1986

2011-11-11T11:00:00.000Z

Photo copyright: Peter Kenyon

The Official Renaming Ceremony

2011-11-11T10:00:00.000Z

Dr Gary Shannon writes:

One of the greatest moments of my involvement with 71000, other than the first day we ran it, the official renaming ceremony was really a day to recognise everyone who had contributed - both Members and British industry to the project. Let us not forget!

The best part of £100k was raised by share subscription. An estimated £150k was contributed in kind by engineering companies. I have no figure for fundraising and donations but over the 13 years it must have been substantial.

John Bennett remembers:

The attached photographs were taken on the occasion of the official renaming ceremony of 71000 Duke of Gloucester by His Royal Highness, the current Duke of Gloucester on Remembrance Day, 11th November 1986.

The event took place at Rothley Station for the benefit of His Royal Highness and his retinue, invited members of the 71000 Steam Locomotive Company and Trust, the Great Central Railway, and, of course, the press. The locomotive carried a wreath for Remembrance Day and at the appropriate time, 11am, the distinctive chime whistle was sounded to mark the beginning of the two minute silence. The silence ended with a further blast of the whistle.

His Royal Highness arrived, chauffeur driven, with a heavy security and police presence. After the re-naming had taken place with the customary speeches, the Duke and his entourage, together with invited guests, attended a banquet in a marquee set up at the south end of Rothley Station.

By pure coincidence I sat next to an elderly lady, then in her mid eighties, who was none other than the widow of the late Robert A Riddles who had died in 1983. Mrs Riddles was quite a character as I recall. I engaged in conversation with her during lunch and said that it was rather sad that her late husband had not survived to see the Duke completed in all its glory. She said, "My husband was a fine engineer, one of the best" and then she made reference to the copious amounts of wine and sherry displayed on one of the tables at the end of the marquee. She said, "Look at all that wine and sherry. What you should do is get a few glasses down you. It'll put a bit of colour in your cheeks". I had to advise her that it wouldn't be a wise move as I had to drive home afterwards and I had my parents with me as well.

Talking to the late Mrs Riddles was rather like stepping back into a bygone age. She sadly passed away a year or two ago aged 108!

71000 leaving Barry

2011-11-10T11:00:00.000Z

Photograph copyright: Bill Robertson

Bill writes:

The two photos at Barry were taken leaving via the back entrance of the docks onto the island. We had to go that way because of the height restriction under the railway at Barry station.

First the whole rig grounded (picture taken out of the back of Colin Rhodes' Vauxhall Viva).

Then we followed up the hill only to find the Duke towering over us when got round the corner! We would have been a little squashed if the chains hadn't held! (This photo taken over Colin's shoulder).

The third picture was taken at Quorn. I remember the Barclay 0-4-0 saddletank sent from Loughborough to collect the Duke was on the wrong side of the siding to be able to get the Duke onto the mainline. We therefore manually pushed the engine off the siding, a trick we had learned at Barry!

Hallowe'en Duke

2011-11-05T20:18:00.002Z

Photo of 71000 leaving Ramsbottom with the Hallowe'en Special on the East Lancs Railway taken by Graham Williams.

The East Lancs Steam Gala ... without 71000

2011-11-01T18:07:00.000Z

A sales team consisting of me, Stuart Wright and Martin and Karen Tunley attended the East Lancashire Steam Gala over the weekend of 22/23 of October.

Martin and Karen who had travelled up from Tunberry Wells in Worcestershire that morning had been scheduled to sell memorabilia on the trains hauled by 71000, but unfortunately due to a number of operational problems the loco was unable to leave the Nene Valley in time to attend.

As is always the case at the ELR a strong chilling wind blew across the platform and the first job when setting up the sales stand was to secure all the exhibits.

The centrepiece of our stand is a framed signed limited edition print of the Duke and Two Duchesses at Camden Shed by the railway artist Philip Hawkins.

On display were various other items such as keyrings, pens, badges, mugs ( including some with 71000 and the Great Central Crest ) and DVDs.

We were pleased that a new fridge magnet showing 71000 on the turntable at the Nene Valley Railway was newly available for purchase.

Trade was slow but steady with ongoing requests for information as to why 71000 was not at the Gala.

The highlight of the weekend was on the Sunday when a lady rushed up to the stall, picked up a pen and shouted "I'll be back" and ran off. (Shades of Arnie, I thought, looking around nervously).

She returned after about 5 minutes looking very flushed in the face and announced in a triumphant voice, " I've got it".

"What have you got", I asked.

"Ralph McTell's autograph" she said, cradling the pen and a piece of paper in a very strange way.

Fortunately, she then paid for her pen and walked away.

For those of you who don't know, Ralph was a fairly famous folk singer in the 1970/80s and well known for a hit single "Streets of London." He had apparently been performing at the Lowry Centre in Salford on the Saturday.

Even without 71000 a good weekend was had by all and there was the added bonus that one of our pens had been in the hands of Ralph McTell. A memorable moment indeed!

If you require any further details regarding 71000 memorabilia i.e. stock availability and price, please contact David Brown on 01925 810426 or by email: browndj@ntlworld.com.

Chris Hazzleton
The Sales Team

71000 at ELR

2011-10-28T17:22:00.005+01:00

The Duke of Gloucester will be running on Sunday 30th October at East Lancs Railway.

In the boiler at Barry

2011-10-24T07:15:00.000+01:00

Photo shared by Brian Pearce on Facebook:

on Holiday in Barry in the summer of 1970 - I only wish I had cleared the ash away from the front tube plate, then we would not have needed a new one when we restored the boiler.

71000 at Barry

2011-10-23T07:08:00.000+01:00

Photo of 71000 at Barry Scrapyard taken in the 1970s by Steve Williams.

71000 at Wansford

2011-10-22T06:51:00.001+01:00

Evening sunlight at Wansford, a photo by lewis95 on Flickr.

71000 polished, with quartered buffer beams sits in the evening sun.

East Lancs Railway Steam Gala

2011-10-22T06:48:00.000+01:00

The 71000 Trust regrets to announce that the locomotive will not now feature in the East Lancashire's Steam Gala on October 22nd and 23rd as originally planned. Further details are available on the ELR website.

UPDATE: there will still be a 71000 sales stand at the Steam Gala this weekend if you would like to purchase any items of 71000 memorabilia.

The Duke returns to the East Lancs Railway

2011-10-16T18:36:00.000+01:00

UPDATE: the engine will not be moving tomorrow (Monday) as previously scheduled. Further information will appear as soon as possible.

After a long but interesting time away from our home base, 71000 will return to the East Lancashire Railway from the Nene Valley Railway light engine, on Monday 17th October.

71000 is scheduled to leave Orton Mere at 10:09 and arrive at Castleton Ground Frame at 21:03.

The Trust would like to thank everybody at the Nene Valley for their hospitality and for making our visit so eventful by arranging for 71000 to be reacquainted with HRH Duke of Gloucester.

71000 will next appear at the East Lancashire Railway Steam Gala on the 22nd and 23rd of October.

More footage of 71000 at NVR

2011-10-14T17:18:00.000+01:00

71000 at Nene Valley Railway

2011-10-13T17:07:00.000+01:00

The Two Dukes at Nene Valley Railway

2011-10-12T17:04:00.000+01:00

Another report about the meeting of two Dukes. The Duke of Gloucester drives 71000 at Nene Valley Railway.

A meeting of two Dukes

2011-10-06T17:32:00.000+01:00

HRH The Duke of Gloucester met with 71000 Duke of Gloucester on 28th September at Nene Valley Railway.

The visit followed several days of preparation and cleaning by the support crew and volunteers, with special attention to the cab where new arm rests were fitted in anticipation of the Duke spending time on the footplate. As well as all the cleaning of the tender and boiler, the front of the loco was polished twice and the buffers were quartered.

On the day of the visit the support crew were up early to put the finishing touches to the engine including the four lamps on the front. The Duke was then moved up to the turntable. At a weight of 160 ton it was over the limit for the 140 ton turntable and assistance was required to push the turntable round. After some last minute cleaning the support crew changed out of overalls into their suits.

HRH the Duke of Gloucester arrived on time and was welcomed at the front of the station before being escorted along the platform to the engine. The Duke was presented with a framed 71000 print as a reminder of his visit before climbing up on to the footplate for a ride down to Yarwell Junction. On the return leg, after being shown around the new station, His Royal Highness climbed back on to the footplate to take his turn at the controls.

Back at Wansford the Duke officially opened the new tea room extension and thanked everyone for all the hard work done on the loco by its volunteers, past and present, over the years and complimented the presentation of the engine.

Following a tour of the sheds, the Duke departed.

Four days hard work went into preparing for the visit but, as you can see from the photographs, it was well worth all the effort. A big thank you to everyone who was involved.

71000 to attend NVR War Weekend

2011-09-28T18:21:00.000+01:00

71000 will be the star guest engine at the Nene Valley Railway's War Weekend on the 8th and 9th of October. This will be the last planned steaming of 71000 at the Nene Valley before returning to the East Lancashire Railway later in October.

NVR Autumn Steam Gala: 10th September 2011

2011-09-25T07:17:00.001+01:00

Double headed on Nene Valley Railway

2011-09-18T08:09:00.001+01:00

Double Trouble, a photo by P.A.King on Flickr.

Why not join our Flickr group and post your own photos of the Duke?

On the turntable at Nene Valley Railway

2011-09-18T08:06:00.001+01:00

On the TurnTable, a photo by P.A.King on Flickr.

Why not join our Flickr group and post your own photos of the Duke?

The Carmarthen Cavalier - 29/08/2011

2011-09-06T16:38:00.001+01:00

Torbay Express Report - 21st August 2011

2011-08-29T18:12:00.000+01:00

I travelled down with Stuart at 5am to join the Duke and support crew at Bristol Station. We arrived in plenty of time for the 09:15 start, and met up with our two other sales team members, Martin and Karen.

The Duke arrived in the station looking fantastic - a credit to the crew who had spent the last 2 days cleaning. Support crew on the day were David Briggs (RO), Adrian Meakin (Footplate Representative), Ken Wilcock (RO), Chris Saxon (Catering Manager), Andy Quinn (Timekeeper), Richard Holt (Chef) and two Engineers, Gary Shannon and Liam Clairmonte.

The Duke left bang on time. The train was 11 Torbay carriages plus support coach and a dead class 47 (at 108 ton) meaning the load was nearer to 15 carriages. The total load was in the region of 486 tonnes. The Duke made good time and arrived on schedule at the next water stop at Taunton. Water was fed from a tanker. Support crew were kept busy supplying tea to the footplate crew.

After Taunton it was bacon and sausage sandwich time. Food kindly supplied for the day free of charge by yours truly. Sous chef was Chris Saxon. Then it was off down to Paignton along the famous sea wall. The sun was out, the beaches were packed and the wall was lined with people watching the Duke race through. It brought a lump to your throat as she whistled along the coast before arriving at Paignton on time. Here the support crew got off as the Duke carried on with the coaches down to Kingswear. Crew had a couple of hours to wander round and get something to eat and drink. Some even found time to go on one of the rides at the fun fair on the beach.

Reports came in that the Duke had come to a standstill on Goodrington Bank on its climb out of Paignton. Luckily a diesel driver was on hand to fire up, and an embarrassing situation was avoided.

The Duke returned to Paignton for servicing once it had been turned at Churston. Now, fed and watered, the Duke returned to Kingswear to collect passengers.

The return journey was just as good as the outward, with the Duke setting a fine pace around the coast and, again, the sea wall was lined with people.

Arriving at Exeter it was decided to use the time to do an unscheduled tender top up with support crew having to roll out four 23 metre hoses to reach the hydrant. Fifteen minutes later it was time to roll the hoses back in again, just in time to meet our allotted leaving time. The support crew did a great job in a small space of time in very hot conditions, while under the eyes of the passengers who were gathered at the front of the loco watching with some enjoying a look on the footplate.

The Duke ran superbly up Whiteball while support crew were treated to a lovely beef stew and arrived at Taunton ahead of time. A quick water stop and we were away up to Bristol arriving ten minutes early.

A great day was had by crew and passengers alike.

The Duke was then taken off the stock and returned to Bristol Barton Hill Depot where she was put to bed and support crew returned back up North. A long day but well worth it.

Richard Holt

71000 Operations

71000 at GCR - late 1980s

2011-08-29T06:39:00.001+01:00

71000 Duke of Gloucester on the GCR late 1980s, a photo by Dartmoor Ridgeback on Flickr.

Why not join our Flickr group and post your own photos of the Duke?

The Fellsman, Birkett Common - 2006

2011-08-27T18:01:00.001+01:00

71000, a photo by AlanP on Flickr.

Why not join our Flickr group and post your own photos of the Duke?

71000 Cab - December 1986

2011-08-26T19:29:00.001+01:00

71000 Cab. Dec. 86, a photo by Keith Doubleday on Flickr.

Why not join our Flickr group and post your own photos of the Duke?

Locomotive update - 23rd August 2011

2011-08-24T18:23:00.000+01:00

After a period of running on the West Somerset Railway, 71000 Duke of Gloucester returned to Bristol Barton Hill depot on Thursday 18th August and resumed Torbay Express duties on Sunday 21st August. This was the Duke’s first main line run since a reportable incident on 12th June 2011.

The load for 71000’s “Torbay Express” run on 21st August comprised 12 coaches + POB + Class 47 diesel. 71000 performed exceptionally well throughout with no mechanical defects reported and arrived ahead of booked time at several points en route. Diesel assistance was required on the climb at Churston but for the remainder of both outward and return legs the diesel was shut down.

71000 engineers have now conducted extensive testing of the locomotive’s valve gear and associated components but have been unable to identify any fault which may have contributed to the incident on 12th June. Controlled tests and running at the West Somerset Railway also confirmed the locomotive to be in sound mechanical condition. Unfortunately, to date, all of the tests conducted by 71000 Trust engineers have failed to identify an assignable cause for the problems experienced on 12th June.

71000’s next main line operation will be a Pathfinder Tours run Bristol-Carmarthen-Bristol on Monday 29th August.

Following 71000’s last Torbay operation on Sunday 4th September, the locomotive will move by rail to Nene Valley Railway at Wansford to appear at a steam gala on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September.

71000 is expected to remain at NVR with workings until end of September/early October.

After what has been a difficult summer for 71000 support crew, Phoenix Heritage Rail Ltd wishes to thank Paul Conibeare, Andrew Forster and their staff for assistance and use of facilities at the West Somerset Railway. Also sincere thanks to all who have sent messages of support wishing a speedy return to main line duties for 71000 Duke of Gloucester.

Further information regarding future movements will be found on the 71000 Trust website.

David Briggs Chairman, Phoenix Heritage Rail Ltd.

The Carmarthen Cavalier

2011-08-23T16:46:00.002+01:00

71000 will be hauling the Carmarthen Cavalier on 28th August. For full excursion details, please visit the Pathfinder website.

Joining Stations	Depart	Return
Dorridge	0605	2320
Warwick Parkway	0615	2305
Leamington Spa	0620	2300
Banbury	0640	2245
Oxford	0700	2220
Swindon	0740	2145
Chippenham	0755	2130
Bath Spa	0815	2115
Bristol Temple Meads	0910	2035
Newport	1005	1935
	Arrive	Depart
Carmarthen	1300	1640

Nene Valley Railway Visit

2011-08-23T16:30:00.000+01:00

71000 will be visiting the Nene Valley Railway (NVR) for their gala in September (10th and 11th) and the NVR will also be offering driving experience opportunities on the loco on Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22 September 2011.

Anyone interested in hands on experience of driving the loco should contact the Nene Valley Railway for more details either on the NVR website or by telephone 01780 784444.

Advance booking is essential.

West Somerset Railway Steam Fair

2011-08-16T06:24:00.001+01:00

71000 was the surprise visitor to the West Somerset Railway Steam Fair and Vintage Traction Rally at Norton Fitzwarren on 6th and 7th August.

After much polishing by support crew 71000 was immaculately turned out and drew praise from all who visited.

Support crew took the opportunity of having a sales stand and did a brisk trade selling 71000 memorabilia with all proceeds going towards the upkeep of the loco.

The West Somerset Railway event organisers were exceptionally helpful and made 71000 support crew very welcome.

It is planned that 71000 will leave the West Somerset Railway on 18th August to resume as the scheduled locomotive for the Torbay Express on 21st August.

71000 double headed with 70013 Oliver Cromwell

2011-08-15T19:19:00.000+01:00

First Settle and Carlisle run 1990

2011-08-08T06:57:00.000+01:00

Locomotive update

2011-08-01T17:57:00.000+01:00

71000 Duke of Gloucester has now completed 560 miles of running in on the West Somerset Railway. Tests carried out at Bristol Barton Hill and WSR running have shown there to be no mechanical defects with the locomotive.

71000 will return to Torbay Express duties as stand by locomotive for King Edward 1 on Sunday 7th August. Should the Duke not be called upon for Torbay duties, it will attend West Somerset Railway Association’s Vintage Rally, in light steam, at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August.

From Thursday 4th August, 71000 will be based at Bishops Lydeard and the locomotive’s next scheduled WSR steaming will be a footplate experience course on Saturday 13th August. On Sunday 21st August, 71000 will resume as scheduled locomotive for the Torbay Express.

David Briggs
Chairman, Phoenix Heritage Rail Ltd.

Special offer for New Members of 71000

2011-07-31T20:14:00.000+01:00

71000 (Duke of Gloucester) Steam Locomotive Trust is the organisation responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of 71000 with the specific objective of operating the locomotive on mainline charters and preserved railways.

The Duke was rescued from a scrapyard in South Wales and after a 13 year restoration returned to the mainline in 1990. Now in her second 10 year ticket the next expensive heavy overhaul is due in 2014.

We cordially invite you to join us as a member of the trust to help keep the dream alive. There are a range of benefits on offer to 71000 members which if taken up more than pay for your subscription. On offer are reduced priced 71000 DVDs, discounts off mainline tours, members open days with free travel as well as newsletters and frequent updates. Membership also gives you the opportunity of being closer to the Duke by being able to work with our support crew as a volunteer.

Standard membership is just £15 per year whilst the friends of 71000 starts from £5 per month.

All applications received before 31st August 2011 will receive a FREE 71000 magnetised book mark currently on offer at our eBay shop at £2.50. To qualify please write "71000 Blog Offer” on your membership application.

For further details please contact our membership secretary:

Chris Hazzleton on 01925 650875 or email chris.hazzleton@ntlworld.com
4 Ridgebourne Close
Callands
Warrington
WA5 9YB

Alternatively please click here to go to the membership section of the website to access further information and to download the appropriate forms.

We very much look forward to welcoming you as a member of the trust in the very near future.

The 71000 Trust

71000 at WSR

2011-07-31T07:03:00.005+01:00

71000 at the West Somerset Railway in glorious conditions on July 23rd.

Locomotive update

2011-07-25T19:34:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday 20th July, 71000 Duke of Gloucester and POB were towed in light steam with a DBS class 66 diesel from Bristol Barton Hill depot (via Westbury) to Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway. During the move 71000 was tested under load and no problems found. Further testing was carried out with light engine running between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren and the locomotive found to be in sound working order.

On Saturday 23rd July the Duke entered service on the West Somerset Railway and will haul trains daily up to and including Friday 29th July. Early indications confirm the locomotive to be in good working order. Depending on outcomes from this running-in period, the length of stay at WSR will be reviewed. It is hoped that 71000 will return in August to complete main line commitments with Torbay Express Limited and Pathfinder Tours. The cause of 71000’s failure on 12th June whilst hauling the Torbay Express remains under investigation.

David Briggs
Chairman, Phoenix Heritage Rail Ltd

WSR timetable

2011-07-23T20:23:00.001+01:00

The timetable for passenger services on the West Somerset Railway is available to view here. The Duke will be running between 23rd and 29th July inclusive.

71000 passenger services on West Somerset Railway

2011-07-23T15:27:00.001+01:00

You can now check out the details of the passenger services hauled by the Duke on the West Somerset Railway for the week commencing 23rd July.

WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare said:

This will be the third time that 71000 has worked passenger trains on the West Somerset and we hope that many people will take the opportunity to ride behind this historic locomotive and to visit the attractions of Taunton Deane and West Somerset at the start of the main holiday season.