A MAJOR milestone has been reached in the construction of new‘P2’No. 2007 Prince of Wales by builders the A1 Steam LocomotiveTrust, with the delivery of a key component.
The £250,000 fabricated three-cylinder monobloc cylinder was unveiled to a crowd of over 130 supporters and their guests at theTrust’s new Locomotive Works in Darlington on October 14.
TheTrust said it is proud to have pioneered the fabrication process when casting of the complex cylinder was not an option, in a first for steam locomotive new-builds and preservation. The proving of this method is not only vital for the ‘P2’, but theTrust’s next build project –‘V4’No. 3403 – which will require a similarly fabricated monobloc cylinder.
It is an exciting time for the‘P2’ project – theTrust is due to take delivery of over £1 million worth of components, including the boiler and tender frame, by the new year.
While the loco will soon look largely complete, a huge effort is still required, including extensive piping and electrics. With a dedicated club launching in the new year, theTrust is seeking to fund theLentz-Franklin Valve Gear, which is the final large component required for Prince of Wales.