The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust (A1SLT) has announced the name of its next new-build steam
locomotive project.
Announced at the A1SLT Annual Convention on following consultation with supporters, the name Highlander has been met with wide approval. At its Silver Jubilee Convention in October 2015, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust revealed that it would follow its Peppercorn class A1 No. 60163 Tornado and Gresley class P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales with the construction of further extinct LNER steam locomotives – a Gresley class V4.
A1SLT chairman Steve Davies MBE said: “The name Highlander perfectly matches the history of the V4 class, and we look forward to enjoying an emotional and spiritual rapport with Scotland’s railway scene and with the country’s proud people, as well as operating in all other parts of Great Britain.”
Following the tradition of the locomotives having proud military links, the trust looks forward to a strong
relationship with the Highland Regiments, who have responded positively. Previously described as ‘Gresley’s Rolls-Royce’ the V4 will be a locomotive that can travel almost anywhere on the UK rail network, something the trust’s other locomotives cannot do due to their size. A versatile and economic locomotive, No.3403 Highlander, will be the third LNER V4 Class locomotive, Sir Nigel Gresley’s last design, and will be adapted to run on today’s railway.
No. 3403 Highlander will benefit from: roller bearings on all axles; air-braked with vacuum capability; all welded boiler; electrical system as per other locomotives; and increased water capacity.
Original drawings have been scanned to enable 3D computer aided design to start, and the trust has
started to acquire materials for the project. Subject to review by the Council of Trustees, it is hoped
to officially launch the new project with a Founders Club next spring or summer. Although there is currently no specific appeal open for Highlander, any donations made towards it will be ring-fenced for the project. The next step will be to launch The Founder’s Club to fund the early stages of the project. More announcements will be made over the next few months as the project builds up steam.
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