THE project to build a new Gresley class P2 steam locomotive continues to make rapid progress, with the locomotive’s ‘face’ now complete.

It has been three years since the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust launched a project to build the No. 2007 Prince of Wales and another milestone has been reached with the creation of its front end ‘face’.

More than 240 of the project’s supporters gathered in Darlington on Saturday for Trust’s annual convention to see the new development – a sight not witnessed since the Cock o’the North was rebuilt in 1937.

Mark Allatt, Trust chairman, is delighted with the achievements made so far.

He said: “The past three years have seen dramatic progress toward our aim of completing new Gresley class P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales by 2021.

“No. 2007 is already at the stage Tornado was eight years into the project.

“At our convention over £40,000 was donated to the Trust towards the upkeep of Tornado and the construction of Prince of Wales by our supporters.

“Now is the time to get on board this ground breaking project and help the Trust to raise the £5m needed to ensure its completion in 2021.”

The class P2 locomotives were the most powerful passenger steam locomotives to operate in the UK, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley to haul 600 ton trains on the arduous Edinburgh to Aberdeen route.

Sadly the design was never fully developed and they were rebuilt in 1943/44 and scrapped by 1961.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust – a registered charity and builders of famous new steam locomotive No. 60163 Tornado – is building the seventh member of this class over seven years.

They aim to demonstrate how the design can be fully realised through use of modern computer design techniques, enabling the new locomotive to deliver its full potential.

Public interest in seeing a new Gresley class P2 become a reality is high and 800 people have already signed up to the ‘P2 for the price of a pint of beer per week’ funding scheme.

In addition, funds have been raised through various clubs formed by enthusiasts and more than £170,000 in donations from existing supporters sponsoring a variety of components. The Gresley Society Trust is also funding the construction of the distinctive front-end.

This means that the project has already received pledges of well over £2m of the £5m needed.