THE dream of building Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive in Darlington will “become a reality sooner rather than later” thanks to millions of pounds worth of pledges from loco enthusiasts.

The team behind the No. 2007 Prince of Wales being built by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust in Darlington Locomotive Works sheds are on track to complete its construction by 2021.

Five fundraising clubs have been set up in support of the steam locomotive in order to find the £700,000 needed per year to keep its construction on target.

Hundreds of people have joined each scheme to collectively raise more than £1m in donations and more than £2m in pledges.

Those working on the Prince of Wales’ P2 Project have also revealed that finding more money for the locomotive’s Darlington engineers is the focus of one auction of “railwayana” in Worcestershire.

A supporter of the build – who wishes to remain anonymous – has donated his collection of railway memorabilia that will be auctioned off next month and is expected to raise £4,500 for the charity.

Mark Allatt, P2 Project director at the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, said: “We are most grateful that one of our valued supporters has donated his collection of railwayana to the project to build new Gresley class No. 2007 Prince of Wales.

“We are delighted with the level of support that the project to build Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive has received since construction started only three years ago.

“Thanks to our supporters’ continued generosity, well over £1m has been spent on construction, over £1.4m donated and over £2.4m pledged.

“We are confident that we will have completed the rolling chassis for No. 2007 Prince of Wales in 2017 and we remain on track for completion of the new locomotive in 2021.”

Fundraising groups backing the Prince of Wales build include The Founders Club, The Boiler Club and The Mikado Club with hundreds of members donating and pledging sums of £1,000 to £2,000 each.

More than 830 have also signed up to the “P2 for the price of a pint of beer per week” scheme which sees members donate £10 per month or more to the Darlington project.

Mr Allatt added: “We would encourage all steam enthusiasts who haven’t yet contributed to this exciting project to help us to meet these deadlines by becoming a monthly covenanter.”

For more information, visit p2steam.com