Recently, we were approached by Southern Locomotives Limited (SLL), the owners of Merchant Navy Class locomotive No. 35025 Brocklebank Line, with a proposal that they transfer the locomotive to us, along with a substantial number of spares, with a view to it being restored to mainline running standard.
After discussing the matter, taking account of relevant issues arising, the society’s Management Committee has decided to accept the offer.
The background to this is that SLL were themselves given 35025 some years ago, but have not had either the financial or human resources available to undertake the restoration required. In taking matters forward we have made clear to SLL that Clan Line will always remain our number one priority, and have first call on our resources. We have given no undertakings on timescale, but have openly advised it will be a longer term project. With that said, we will genuinely give our best endeavours to restore 35025, and aim to raise ‘ring-fenced’ funding, identified separately in our accounts, for that purpose.
Although we have agreed not to use 35025 simply as a source of ‘heavy spares’, it is likely that restoration of its boiler will be given high priority so that it can be inter-changeable with that on Clan Line, if and when the need arises (common practice in BR days).