WHEN it comes to unusual Father's Day presents, a lubricating heating valve or water gauge casting handle may prove ideal for the man who has everything.

The items are part of a scheme launched to help build Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive - by sponsoring various of its parts.

The task of building the Gresley Class P2 steam locomotive No. 2007 Prince of Wales began three years ago, and people are encouraged to help finance the project by sponsoring a component as a gift for this year’s Father’s Day on Sunday June 19.

Alongside the £45 lubricating heating valve, the components available for sponsorship range from a water gauge handle casting at £40 to one of the 6ft 2in driving wheels at £600.

Those who subscribe to the scheme will have their names inscribed on the official role of honour at Darlington Locomotive Works listing the components sponsored, as well as receiving a certificate and a copy of the drawing of the component.

A project to build the Gresley Class P2 steam locomotive No. 2007 Prince of Wales at the Darlington Locomotive Works has been seven years in the making at an estimated cost of £5 million, and is due for completion in 2021.

Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, said: “We are delighted with the support the project to build Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive has received since its launch three years ago, with over £2 million of the required £5 million pledged to date.

“This initiative is a unique opportunity for supporters to have their father or grandfather’s name associated with a component of No. 2007 and the funds raised will help to ensure that Prince of Wales will be completed on schedule.

“Just as with the similar scheme that helped to fund the construction of Tornado, supporters who subscribe to the scheme will have the satisfaction of pointing to the part of the locomotive they paid for when No. 2007 enters service.

The locomotives were designed by Sir Nigel Gresley to haul 600 ton trains on the Edinburgh to Aberdeen route and were the most powerful passenger steam locomotives to operate in the UK.

“We are confident that we will have the engine on its wheels this autumn and remain on track for completion in 2021.

“However, to maintain this progress we need to raise £700,000 per year. We are therefore taking the opportunity of Father’s Day to give the Dedicated Donation scheme a boost.”

For further information, contact dedicated.donations@p2steam.com, visit www.p2steam.com or call 01325 460163.