Derbyshire-based Peak Rail and the Peak Railway Association which support the heritage railway through volunteer recruitment and raising finances have joined forces to launch the “Royal Pioneer” appeal today (25th May).

0-6-0 ST NO WD 150 “ROYAL PIONEER” was removed from service 10 years ago for overhaul and has seen steady progress thanks to the many hours dedicated to the locomotive by volunteers.

Currently, the locomotive has seen the motion and the brake equipment refurbished alongside most of her body and tanks.

The next stage of “Royal Pioneers” overhaul will require a full overhaul of her boiler at an estimated cost of £75,000 and is vital in order for the locomotive to achieve a 10-year ticket.

A specialist boiler company can start work on the boiler in 18 months’ time, which has created a fantastic time frame to raise the funding required.

All the money raised by the “Royal Pioneer” appeal will be used by the Peak Rail Association on Royal Pioneer solely.

The first aim of the appeal is to raise enough money to purchase 180 boiler tubes, which are currently £45 each, adding up to £8,100 altogether.

Anybody who would be interested in buying a boiler tube for Royal Pioneer can do so by sending a donation to the Peak Rail Association.

£2,500, Which is already held by Peak Railway Association, has been ring-fenced in order to pay for specialist welding on the boiler.

Peak Rail plc will also allot donations made by shareholders in 2021 of £7,500, which has set the appeal off to a brilliant start.

If you would like to support the “Royal Pioneer” appeal, you can find all the details over on Peak Rail’s Facebook Page.