THE G5 PROJECT
Introduction
The 'Class G5 Locomotive Company Limited': G5 Project has been founded by a group of like-minded enthusiasts, who intend to recreate a full-size prototypical North Eastern Railway Class O (LNER Class G5) 0-4-4 Passenger Tank Locomotive, for use on 'Heritage' Railways.
Description
These superb Locomotives were designed by Wilson Worsell in 1893. Between 1894 and 1901, 110 locomotives were built, all constructed at the North Road Works in Darlington. They became the standard North Eastern Railway passenger tank locomotive until 1907. All but two of these locomotives survived until the 1950's the last one being withdrawn in 1958. None of these locomotives has been preserved and the class is totally extinct.
What is remarkable is that these locomotives ran for over 60 years, with only minor modifications, only to be withdrawn when replaced by the, then new, 'first generation' diesel multiple units. (DMU's)
Proposal
The 'Class G5 Locomotive company Limited' intends to build the locomotive, from scratch, over a three-year period. The locomotive will be built in distinct units, i.e. boiler, bogie, wheel sets, frames etc. These will be paid for on completion and will belong to the company from the onset. This will minimise the risk to both the 'company' and the supplier. The boiler and bogie will be the first units to be built.
The initial proposed cost has been estimated to be in the £400,000 price range.
The 'Great Northern Steam Company Limited' Darlington has been selected as the builder of the locomotive, including the boiler. They are a well-established firm, some 600 yards away from the old site of the North Road Works, who are in possession of the necessary skills and capacity to complete the the proposed timescale.
The locomotive will include 'state of the art' technology, including an 'all welded' boiler and roller main bearings. This will not detract from the external appearance of the locomotive, which will be as built in the 1890's, apart from the location of the 'Westinghouse' pump located on the tank, rather than the cab!
Rationale
There is an increased shortage of decent, reliable steam locomotives of this type. Most loco's are 60+ years old. With the exception of the Great Central Railway , nearly all other heritage railways are of the 'Branch line' type. These railways tend to run either short, medium length trains, sometimes double-headed. The G5 passenger locomotive will be able to comfortably handle 4-5 coaches, unassisted. This would suit most 'Heritage' Railways and will be the 'ideal' locomotive for this purpose.
To help recover construction costs, the locomotive will be available for hire to 'Hertiage' railways, complete with driver and supervisory crew. We already have two provisional bookings for the loco!
We anticipate a high demand for this locomotive- it will be a massive crowd-puller for any railway which uses it.
Current Situation
At present 'Mark Aston Designs' are in the process of undertaking a £10,000 feasibility study on behalf of 'Great Northern Steam Railway Company Limited'. This should be completed by the end of October 2007, when an accurate estimate of costs can be established. Contracts will then be finalised and signed.
We are already in possession of over 30 of the original set of drawings for the locomotive. More drawings may become available at a later date.
Plans for an 'all-welded' boiler have been commissioned, and are complete. These plans are now fully inspected and approved and are registered at Lloyds for insurance purposes.
In addition, the original bogie design has been updated and re-drawn. These drawings are now available for construction.
Reconditioned 'Ross-pop' safety valves have been purchased. Several other original components are in the pipeline.
Constitution & Members
The 'Class G5 Locomotive Company Limited' consists of individual shareholder members, each committed to a sum of £50,000 each. Payments are to be made in units of £10,000 each. There are four signed up members at present and a fifth due to join after Christmas 2007.
We are extremely confident that at least another three such members will be found for such an exciting project. The maximum total number of individual shareholder members will be no more than ten persons. Strict terms and conditions are applied to ensure equality for all.
New members would be expected to 'catch-up' to the payments already made by existing members.
Timescale
The locomotive will be available for hire from March 2011.
Long Term Plan
Upon completion of the first locomotive, in order to maintain momentum of the company we anticipate building a second locomotive, possibly another 'Class G5' locomotive! This should be possible through incoming revenue!!
Contact us
Having read the above, if you are still seriously interested in becoming a shareholder, please contact either:
Mike Wood on 0191 3734317, (Evenings after 7.30pm.)
or
The Great Northern Steam Company Ltd on 01325 464616.
Thank you for your interest!