In its latest update on progress with restoring ex-Great Western Railway 2-8-0 No. 2874, the 2874 Trust reports that sometime this year it will become a rolling chassis, but the main aim now is to get the boiler up to working pressure.

That aim will be the trust’s theme for its fundraising over the next few months, and it is arranging for a pressure gauge to show how much has currently been raised.

Some time ago the trust arranged for specialists Fraser Nash to carry out a full “Non Destructive” examination (NDT) on the boiler, which confirmed that although it had lain unused and in the open air for 60 years, it was generally in good condition.

However, the lower firebox sides, throat plate and lower door plate all require replacement, as well as all tubes, the front tube plate, and many stays, both steel and copper. That work will require a significant six-figure sum to be raised before the first fire can be lit.

It is planned to undertake the work in stages, with the first one establishing exactly how much the cost will be, and therefore needs to be raised. This first stage will be to establish a work programme, which will require FOUNDATION FUNDING, as all boilers start at the foundation ring.

Once the extent of work and a realistic price is known, external grant funding will be sought, but the exact detail of applications will become clear once it is known how much of the work can be done by volunteers.

The trust’s previous success in external fundraising has been based on its preservation and development of heritage engineering skills, and it will try to build on that experience. It is known that whatever success is achieved, the trust will have to inject “match funds” so that the more it can raise will improve its chances.

To encourage more people to take an active part in the heritage movement the trust is providing different ways for existing friends to help, and opportunities to attract new supporters.

For the last three years, the trust has taken part in “The Big Give” each December and raised some very useful sums, but has now decided to do its own thing and go for a month-long match-funded campaign. £2500 has already been pledged to match fund donations. From Monday, 8th May to Monday, 5th June this year, and at the GWSR Gala, it will be trying to attract donors. Full details will be on the trust’s website at www.2874trust.org in early May.

The trust has also collaborated with model makers Dapol has produced a Limited Edition box van in clean and lightly weathered finishes. Only 50 of each have been produced, they come with a uniquely numbered limited edition certificate and will be available at the GWSR Gala. They are only available from trade stands or the Trust online and cost £18.50 each plus £4 delivery, and all proceeds go to the Trust.

Other ways to support the trust are by giving 20p per day, with several supporters already donating in this way, which provides a regular income for the Trust, or by becoming a member, with every new member making the aim of reaching the target a little closer.

Appplications to join the trust can be made online through the membership page at www.2874trust.org.