The project behind steam locomotive 4709 has released an update after last weeks news of the Llangollen Railway inviting its bank to appoint receivers to help.

Richard Croucher, 4709 Group, said: “We are sorry to hear the news about the Llangollen Railway. It’s a huge loss for the preservation movement,”

“And, as if we needed reminding, COVID is still with us, so the need for funding is now more important than ever.”

The 4709 Group has said that GWR 4709 is coming out the other side of a lengthy period “in the doldrums”, which the group says began with component delays, then “being locked-in at Llangollen”, and a new search for a new engineering partner, before collecting all the components that will be used on the mainline certified locomotive.

Richard Croucher continues to say “Llangollen has failed for lack of funds, so we’re watching our own situation very carefully. Our recently announced donation scheme is already beginning to show some positive response and if that trend continues, it won’t be long before we’re starting to think about that huge no. 7 boiler we’ll be needing.”

Richard smiles and says that the time is actually ideal for donations; “A pint costs a fiver in most pubs these days, but you can’t go to the pub and enjoy one, so better give it to a worthy alternative instead.”

If you would like to donate towards 4709, please visit the 4709 website.

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