The 4709 Group has sent RailAdvent an update on proceedings with regards to 7027 Thornbury Castle and their new-build project 4709.
The group, who purchased 7027 Thornbury Castle last month, much to the shock of the railway community, says it is not the end of the road for the Castle locomotive.
7027 Thornbury Castle’s boiler is set to be used in 4709 to get the locomotive completed, and then the parts could be used in a new-build Star locomotive.
With the plans revealed, previous-owner Jonathan Jones-Pratt released his plans to buy back the locomotive and return it to steam.
The cost to rebuild 7027 Thornbury Castle has been estimated by The 4709 Group at £2 million, funding for which, according to the group has been absent and progress has been slow.
Meanwhile, progress on 4709 has seen work on the locomotive’s cylinders, pony truck and extension frames at Tyseley Locomotive Works.
It is hoped that the work will mean that 4709 can be wheeled in the coming months and maybe with the boiler from 7027 Thornbury Castle in the same time frame too.
The Great Western Society‘s Chief Executive, Clive Hetherington said; “We don’t see that Thornbury’s purchase by the 4709 group, to utilise its boiler in the re-creation of a unique Churchward 2-8-0, as the end of the road for Thornbury Castle.”
“The boiler will be serviced and used immediately. Depleted they may be, but Thornbury’s remaining components are a kind of treasure trove for preservation. They’ll be inspected, protected for preservation and securely stored until we have decided what to do with them.”
“However, there’s no question of the GWS starting another build programme for as long as we have many of our existing locomotives needing overhaul.”
“So, our first priority is to use the boiler to get 4709 finished. It represents a huge financial and time saving which we really want to capitalise on.”
“The arrival of the serviced boiler might tie in well with the project timeline,” adds Clive. “We plan to have 4709 wheeled in the coming months. That will happen, but now it’s possible that we may see the boiler coming into that timeframe too.”
Responses
We need a properly formed group with a Chairman of good reputation and standing who we can all support. As far as I can see there is no central point , group or organisation to focus action, lead the preservationists, nor to raise funds.
So come on: who will lead the evidently strong but fractured movement to acquire Thornbury and plan it’s return ?
Is it possible to see Thornbury Castle at Loughborough?
yes
I think they should get what they need of Thornaby Castle and then in the future make new parts for the castle and get the castle working as well
This is an appalling lack of integrity, communication and trustworthiness being shown in the railway preservation community. The obvious disparity in the boilers demonstrates the urgent necessity for common sense and decency to prevail in order that the Castle project is pursued without delay.
This demonstrates a complete lack of integrity and trust in the preservation arena especially as 7027 has a different boiler to the Night Owl please let common sense and decency prevail.
This situation has certainly put off many volunteers in getting involved at heritage railways, The people who got involved at the GCR must be feeling like there dumped on.
JJP, will you please make a statement to make it clear to everyone in what’s happening at this point in time.
This is in your interest as well as us supporters. Thanks.
I really do still hope they can still have a heart in Reconstructively Restoring Number 7027 Thornbury Castle to Ride Again someday…. would be Jolly Nice to see another Castle Class Locomotive Steaming within Preservation, especially alongside Number 4709 Night Owl,
I’m confiident (even with still of slight concern) that the Great Western Society shall do the right thing such as learn from all this, and what it’s gone & typically done.
I will never support the GWS again….. they can go and do one.
This whole thing is a real disgrace….
It’s not even the correct type boiler for the Night Owl project. 7027 has different barrel diameters!!
3 inches smaller I understand. Fit bigger crinolines and cladding with a larger smokebox and you will not notice the difference. Apart from a reduction in height to suit the current loading gauge.
So no Saint now then, just a collection of spare parts placed in store.
WHAT A DISGRACE!
that’s me never supporting GWS again
I think this is a sensible move after all it has happened before to other locos. JJP is not prepared to fund it
Prior to its sale it was being funded and worked on at the GCR. JJP was not involved with the loco after he sold it to the owner who has now sold it to the GWS.
It’s great how the volunteers who worked on the loco at Loughborough have been shit on by the new owners..
It’s a disgrace, not just to those who have worked on the loco, but those who have donate parts and funding to it while it was at Loughborough.
I am disgusted by these action just because it’s going to be more expensive. Well it will Now!
Shame on you – GWS.
Absolutely scandalous and totally arrogant.
Stinks.
I presume that your solution is to find people with £2 million plus to restore it. It is your choice not to like it but unless you are able to write a cheque to the sellers who presumably have agreed the deal knowing what was intended for 7027 then it is a lost cause.
The sum of £2m is a work of fiction given out by the GWS. Work was progressing very well at the GCR, and 7027 was far from a lost course.
The boiler off 7027 is not even a direct fit, requiring modification to suite a 47xx. It’s a disgrace. It’s not like 7027 was still as a bary wreck, with much effort having been put in by the team at the GCR with many parts obtained, sourced, donated, and made.
JJP has already approached the seller and buyer with the intention of buying it back.