Early October saw the RailAdvent team make a visit to the G5 Locomotive Company, who are based in Shildon.
The group are working to construct a new NER G5 No. 1759 and we decided to make a visit during one of their open Days.
It is rather fascinating to visit one of these open days, as it is rather rare you get a behind the scenes look at a locomotive under construction.
We were able to get up close and personal with 1759, which currently has its smokebox on the frames, whilst the boiler, wheels and cab were also on show.
Two thirds of the money to buy components for the brakes has been donated thanks to the generosity of supporters, with the main brake shaft, brake shaft hangers and turn buckles being delivered, but another £6,000 is still needed to complete the G5 Company’s Put The Brakes On Appeal, more information and how to donate to this appeal can be found here.
Other progress on the G5 locomotive has seen the crossheads bodies delivered, and are said to be “truly stunning” in real life – these were purchased thanks to funds from the Cash for Crossheads Appeal, work is still required on these, such as white metalling, placing of the cotter pin and oil box welding before they are complete.
An order has been placed for the rear sandboxes and these are expected to be delivered before Christmas.
The team at the G5 Locomotive Company are really friendly and we spent lots of time chatting to them.
We would really recommend visiting the team on one of these open days to have a look at the locomotive and its progress. It is rare to get the chance to see any loco in the progress of being built and to walk around and look at the component parts.
The next open day of the year is taking place on Saturday 6th November from 10 am until 1 pm, and so pop along and take a look if you can.
The Open Day is free and there is no need to pre-book, all that is recommended is to bring a coat and gloves in case it’s a tad cold.
Plus, with Locomotion Shildon being just 5 minutes away, you can take a visit there after going to the G5 open day.
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Responses
What nobody seems to have noticed is that if climate change campaigners get their own way, there won’t be any coal to fire these new build steam locomotives. I am sad to have to say this but this policy could totally kill off heritage railways in the UK.