The Kent and East Sussex Railway has launched an appeal to bring GWR Pannier No. 1638 back to steam.

The KESR says that it is the only locomotive of its class to survive into preservation and is the only steam locomotive currently wholly owned by the railway.

To return the locomotive to steam, the Kent and East Sussex Railway has launched a £163,800 appeal which would cover the initial work plus a contingency.

The first step would be to complete work on the chassis and motion before any work on the boiler can begin.

250 people contributing £16.38 a month for three years would fund the project.

“Pannier 1638 has a great deal of symbolism and emotional connection for the K&ESR, so fundraising to bring it back to service is very appropriate as the focus of our 50^th Anniversary Appeal.

“Like most aspects of our railway’s life, when we combine our efforts, we can achieve extraordinary things and do much more than any one of us could achieve on our own. This has been borne out by the success of recent restoration projects which have combined the generous support of external grant providers, sponsors and individual supporters. I am hoping we can replicate that success for our Anniversary Appeal for Pannier 1638.”

K&ESR Chairman Simon Marsh

Details of how to donate and Gift Aid donations can be found at: www.kesr.org.uk/donate