Purchase of the Ivatt 2MT, 46447
Help us secure a steam traction on the East Somerset Railway for future generations to enjoy.
The East Somerset Railway has been in operation providing heritage steam train rides across the Mendips for the past 50 years. The railway has always relied on deals with owning groups or other railways to provide steam engines to haul our trains. However steam locomotive availability is changing, and many railways are struggling to source enough suitably sized locomotives to haul their trains. The East Somerset Railway currently owns most of it’s coaching stock, but does not own any locomotives of its own, which this appeal hopes to change that.
Back in 2012 a deal was struck with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to overhaul Ivatt 2MT, 46447, where in exchange for labour the East Somerset Railway would be able to operate the locomotive for 10 years. At the end of this period the East Somerset Railway has since funded the overhaul in exchange for use for a further 5 years. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has since offered the East Somerset Railway the opportunity to purchase the locomotive from them, which would allow the ESR to retain the locomotive for the full 10 year ticket and save enough money to overhaul the engine again in 2036.
We are therefore looking to raise £275,000 to purchase the locomotive and help safeguard steam as an important part of our railway heritage. Your donation will help bring the locomotive into the ownership of the East Somerset Railway and ensure that its story can continue to be enjoyed by visitors, volunteers, families, and railway enthusiasts for years to come.
Every donation, large or small, helps bring the locomotive closer to safety, preservation and future operation. By contributing, supporters become part of the story and help ensure that steam heritage can continue to inspire future generations.
We thank you for your continued support, your donation will be very much appreciated.
Help us secure a steam traction on the East Somerset Railway for future generations to enjoy.
The East Somerset Railway has been in operation providing heritage steam train rides across the Mendips for the past 50 years. The railway has always relied on deals with owning groups or other railways to provide steam engines to haul our trains. However steam locomotive availability is changing, and many railways are struggling to source enough suitably sized locomotives to haul their trains. The East Somerset Railway currently owns most of it’s coaching stock, but does not own any locomotives of its own, which this appeal hopes to change that.
Back in 2012 a deal was struck with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to overhaul Ivatt 2MT, 46447, where in exchange for labour the East Somerset Railway would be able to operate the locomotive for 10 years. At the end of this period the East Somerset Railway has since funded the overhaul in exchange for use for a further 5 years. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has since offered the East Somerset Railway the opportunity to purchase the locomotive from them, which would allow the ESR to retain the locomotive for the full 10 year ticket and save enough money to overhaul the engine again in 2036.
We are therefore looking to raise £275,000 to purchase the locomotive and help safeguard steam as an important part of our railway heritage. Your donation will help bring the locomotive into the ownership of the East Somerset Railway and ensure that its story can continue to be enjoyed by visitors, volunteers, families, and railway enthusiasts for years to come.
Every donation, large or small, helps bring the locomotive closer to safety, preservation and future operation. By contributing, supporters become part of the story and help ensure that steam heritage can continue to inspire future generations.
We thank you for your continued support, your donation will be very much appreciated.
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