HE West Somerset Railway plc has agreed to sell unrestored GWR 2-6-2T No. 4110 to the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA), despite the latter not currently having the funds to pay for it.
The move comes after rejection of a proposal to acquire the 1936-built Large Prairie made by a group of WSR staff and volunteers in December.
The locomotive had previously been put on the market by the plc board to raise much-needed funds.
On December 21, a group of 10 individuals from the WSR’s footplate and workshop departments launched an urgent £120,000 subscription appeal to buy the locomotive as a ‘people’s engine’ for the WSR, thereby safeguarding its future.
Their proposal was to set up a private limited company to raise the asking price of £100,000 (plus £20,000 in the short term for VAT).
In a statement the group said: “During the last few months news of the challenges that the WSR is currently facing have become public. In order for these challenges to be corrected the WSR plc requires significant sums of working capital to be raised quickly.
Read more in the February 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!
Railway Reads
From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.
About the Author
Nigel Devereux
01507 529529 | NDevereux@Mortons.co.uk
Latest posts by Nigel Devereux (see all)
- Kidbrooke and Rishra visit Statfold road and rail event - 22nd October 2019
- Zillertal makes its UK debut at W&LLR gala - 20th October 2019
- Good craic on Steam Dreams’ ‘Emerald Isle’ luxury charter - 19th October 2019