MEMBERS of the North East Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a behind the scenes visit to Darlington Locomotive Works to see the progress being made in the construction of a new locomotive.

They checked out the workmanship of the No. 2007 Prince of Wales as part of breakfast club meeting.

The Gresley class P2 2-8-2s were the most powerful express passenger locomotives to operate in the UK.

Fitted with additional water capacity and the latest railway safety electronics, No. 2007 will be fully equipped for main line railway. It is estimated that the new class P2 will cost around £5m to build over a seven-ten year period. As with Tornado, funds will be raised through regular monthly donations, donations dedicated to specific components and commercial sponsorship.

The Trust previously built and now operates world-famous steam locomotive No. 60163 Tornado which was completed in 2008.

Tornado was the first new main line steam locomotive to be built in Britain since 1960.