Today marks the 69th birthday of the Prince of Wales. It is worth remembering that No. 2007 was named in his honour of his 65th birthday! This is how we announced the news then.....
"In honour of Prince Charles’s 65
th Birthday, Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive is to be named after the heir to the throne. The P2 Steam Locomotive Company (P2SLC), the builder of Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive, is delighted to announce that the name of its new Gresley class P2 2-8-2 steam locomotive will be ‘Prince of Wales’. The new steam locomotive is being named in honour of HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, to coincide with his 65
th birthday celebrations and The Queen has kindly approved the use of His Royal Highness’s name for the locomotive.
There have been many steam locomotives named after The Prince of Wales over the years. These included Gresley class A3 No. 2553 (later No. 60054)
Prince of Wales, sister locomotive to No. 4472
Flying Scotsman, which was named by HRH The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) on a visit to Doncaster Works on 11
th November 1926. This locomotive was scrapped in 1964.
Mark Allatt, Chairman, The P2 Steam Locomotive Company, commented, “HRH The Prince of Wales has been a fantastic supporter
Tornado and along with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall formally named the new locomotive in 2009. Since then,
Tornado has hauled the Royal train on no less than three occasions on behalf of Prince Charles, so we are only too delighted to be able to confirm the name for No.2007 in his honour. It is well known HRH has a passion for our heritage and a particular interest in steam, but also the skills and craftsmanship required to build a steam locomotive from scratch. It is a clear demonstration that the UK can still turn its hand to quality heavy engineering, making use of modern techniques design and construction techniques whilst engaging and inspiring a new generation that nothing is beyond the realms of possibility.”
Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness!
