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Thanks to the Michael Morant collection
Ref: MGNJR_42_Peterborough
Project Launch
Press Release
We are a new group with the ambition to fill a void in the heritage railway scene. Our aim is to build an M&GN locomotive to represent the history of the railway company, but more importantly, build a locomotive which is suitable for the needs of Britain's heritage railways in the 21st Century.
Why a new build?
After the success of various new build locomotives; Tornado, Betton Grange, Beachy Head to name but a few. What once seemed an impossible dream is now a viable possibility. Going forwards into the latter part of the 21st century, coal prices are going to continue to be a key concern of heritage railway sector as well as maintenance costs. Larger locomotives such as 9F’s may not make economic sense to be in regular service for most heritage railways. Hence we believe lower classes of locos from Class 2 up to Class 4 are going to be preferable. The demand outstrips supply and hence a new build is in our opinion a viable option.
Our team is made up of a wide range of individuals but we are looking for more so please get in touch if you would like to help.
Fact File:
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Inside Valve Gear Inside Cylinder 4-4-0
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Cylinders: 18 x 26”
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Motion: Stephensons slide valve
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Driving wheels: 6’ 6 ½” diameter
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Total Length: 43ft 4 1/4 “
Thanks to the Michael Morant collection REF:_MGNJR_47_Melton_Constable
How much will it cost?
Based on comparative projects such as the GCR 567 Loco Group and talking with industry experts and multiple qualified engineers we believe that the overall cost will be around 2 million pounds in today’s money. We recognise the value of volunteer support and are asking for volunteers to help make this project a reality and also help us to complete the project within or below budget. Over the coming months and years our team will be working on a plan to fully cost every component of the C class and invite volunteers to help with this project.
How will the money be raised?
We are working to become registered as a charity and donations from individuals as well as corporate sponsorship will be welcomed. We will obviously have a membership program and will then launch specific funds for individual components for both corporate and private sponsorship. Please get in contact on: goldengorsegroup@gmail.com for a membership form which is only £2 a month.
How long will it take?
We estimate 20 years but only time will tell! Once we start getting regular monthly donations a timeline can then be worked out. To start with we expect donations to be very slow and over time increase. This will mean the income will not be linear and hence difficult to plan. It is reasonable to talk about this build as a minimum of 20 years from start date to completion.
Thanks to the Chris Eden-Green collection
REF: Giant’s of Steam Gala - Bluebell Railway
New build Locos are here to stay!
Which locomotive to build from the M&GN?
Through researching the locomotives which regularly hauled trains on the M&GN we have narrowed our scope to a C Class. These locomotives in their as-built states have a “Victorian” appearance and the clean lines so common to the locomotive designer a Johnson of the Midland. The locomotives were built specifically for the M&GN to the Midlands 1808 class design and were ideally suited to the line. So much so that we firmly believe this loco is the ideal choice to haul passengers trains again over the challenging 1:80 gradients which remain in regular use on today's heritage M&GN line.
We believe it will gain better public support and also achieve our key goal of making a loco which can actually pull revenue making trains. Therefore we are proposing to build a M&GN C Class loco 4-4-0 as pictured.
What will make this project a success?
It is true there have been many Newbuilds started and some have inevitably failed, we believe this project will be a success for multiple reasons.
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A Clear structure and organisation: We have started out as an Unincorporated Association but will be working in the coming months to become a registered charity. We are already having regular meetings in Norfolk for members and have opened a bank account.
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Already we have visited the NRM to look at relevant drawings which exist for the C Class which show we should be able to gain enough information for the newbuild alongside pre-existing examples of components on preserved locomotives.
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The entire committee of severn who have been elected by the membership are all practical railway people who actively volunteer on Norfolk Heritage railways and also all have experience in: Engineering, Fabrication, Fundraising, Marketing, Sales, and Charities
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The right loco for the job! We have carefully considered the locomotive we plan to build. Its power should be sufficient for the needs of the modern day heritage railway and also capable of running economically whilst still turning the head of even the most discerning passenger.
How can YOU help?
We wish to stress that at the time of writing in 2025 we are not fully costed as a project and as we continue to gain information about how this new build will be developed as a project. We would welcome anyone to get involved. We have a diverse team and we are specifically looking for people to help contribute to our Members Magazine, Assist in drawing up the CAD models, fundraising and marketing.
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Contact us on: