As 2024 drew to a close, the P2 project reached a major and highly significant milestone with the successful delivery of No. 2007 Prince of Wales’ boiler from DB Dampflokwerk Meiningen. Before leaving Germany, the boiler passed its hydraulic test and was awarded its CE mark — a crucial step forward in the journey towards steam.

However, before the boiler can be steam tested and formally certified, a number of essential components must be fitted. These include the fire grate, safety valves, backhead cocks and gauges, together with the funding required to carry out the steam test and certification itself.

To accelerate this next vital phase, we are launching 'The Raising Steam Club'.

Over the next 12 months, our aim is to raise £50,000 by inviting 100 supporters to contribute £500 each.

These funds will be ringfenced to spend on the boiler, including the miriad of valves, gauges and other fitments that will require machining and fitting ahead of steaming. The largest component required is a complete fire grate, with rocking mechanism and carrier bars, which will cost around £25,000. Combined with Covenantor income and dedicated donations, this focused appeal will allow the boiler to be fully completed and brings the P2 one decisive step closer to service.

While this fundraising takes place, work at Darlington Locomotive Works continues at pace. The final works on the frames are progressing well, and preparations are under way to fit the unique three-cylinder monobloc. This means that when the boiler successfully steams and the clock starts after certification, No. 2007 will be ready to receive it without delay.

Progress is also being made on the valve gear, and the boiler cladding already stands ready. Once this imposing component of the locomotive is in position, Prince of Wales will truly begin to look complete.

By joining 'The Raising Steam Club', you can play a direct and tangible role in bringing this extraordinary locomotive to life. Your support today helps ensure that the next chapter in the P2 story is written in short order.

Be part of it. Help us raise steam — and make history — once again!

READ ON FOR MORE BOILER FACTS

If you would like to support No. 2007 Prince of Wales by joining The Raising Steam Club then please either complete the on-line forms in section 1 or download the forms in section 2 below:

Section 1: On-line Donation

Section 2: download the form

If you would like to support No. 2007 by joining The Raising Steam Club then the form below will enable you to do so. 

Please DOWNLOAD, print out, complete and return it to us at the address shown.

May we also draw your attention to the Trust’s privacy policy which details the manner in which we treat any personal data that you send us.

This Club is raising funds for grate and other fitments for the boiler of the new Gresley class P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales. If there are surplus funds left over following the acquisition of these parts, we will use the money to buy other components for the Gresley class P2 that the charity would not otherwise have.

At the heart of Prince of Wales lies a thoroughly modern boiler, designed to combine proven performance with long-term durability:

· Ordered in 2019 and delivered in 2025, the boiler is now awaiting final fittings and its steam test at Darlington Locomotive Works.

· Based on the proven Diagram 118a Tornado boiler, it incorporates detailed refinements to extend service life and increase the interval between overhauls.

· Fully interchangeable with Tornado’s boiler, providing valuable operational flexibility and resilience.

· As Tornado’s boiler is 17 inches shorter than the original P2 design, No. 2007’s smokebox will be subtly extended within the external cladding to preserve the correct P2 proportions.

· A 250psi working pressure has been retained, improving efficiency while delivering greater maximum power.

Our dedicated donation scheme is open for all boiler fitments, with components starting at £95. If you would like to sponsor a component, please contact the Office on 01325 460163 or email dedicated.donations@a1steam.com

For the full list please click here.