If you’re a locomotive loco, you probably already know plenty about 71000 The Duke of Gloucester. Suffice to say, it’s a special train. But it hasn’t operated since 2012 and right now, it’s undergoing a huge overhaul. Now the Duke has been confirmed that it will come back into service for another ten years.
If you’re not familiar with the Duke, let us get you up to speed. Built in 1954, its remains were rescued from a Welsh scrapyard in 1973. Engineers worked their magic to defy expectations (the project resurrecting the engine was called the ‘Impossible Dream’) and bring it back to life. When work finished in 1986, the Duke became one of the most efficient and powerful steam engines in Britain.
The BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust (BRC8SLT) and Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust announced that after its makeover is complete, the number 71000 will be based at Crewe for mainline tours, give or take a few stints on heritage railways.
The overhaul is due to be finished this year, the same year as the engine’s 70th birthday – and the 50th anniversary of its rescue.
Jeremy Hosking, trustee of the Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust said: ‘We are delighted to have been given this wonderful opportunity to work with a like-minded organisation, who clearly share our passion for the protection and careful use of iconic steam locomotives. 71000 is a locomotive with a unique story, offering a vision of what might have been.’
Time Out on Britain’s steam trains
Steam-powered locomotives are a huge part of British history (and they also just look really cool). So, of course, they’re well worth preserving. Beside the Duke of Gloucester, this Victorian steam train is now back in action but elsewhere, the future of the famous Flying Scotsman has come under threat. If you’re super keen for all things steam, you might enjoy this dazzling steam-powered holiday around Wales.
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