New set of wheels keeps steam engine project on track RAIL enthusiasts building a replica of a historic North-East steam locomotive have unveiled the first major piece of the project.
The Class G5 Locomotive Company Ltd is building a G5 class 0-4-4 tank locomotive and the first bogie went on display to the public on Saturday.
The project follows the success of the Tornado, which was built in Darlington by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, and was the first new main line steam locomotive built in the UK for 50 years.
The bogie, to which the wheels and axles are fixed, took two years to complete and went on display at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, in Shildon, County Durham.
A team of enthusiasts from across the North-East and Yorkshire are working from 130 drawings to build the G5 locomotive from scratch.
It was originally designed by Wilson Worsdell, the North-Eastern Railway’s chief mechanical engineer, in the late 19th Century.
Once completed, it is hoped the locomotive will run on the region’s heritage lines.
For more information, visit g5locomotive.co.uk
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