Our day-to-day maintenance and restoration is funded by income from the trains we run throughout the year. But we regularly need to undertake restoration projects of major historical significance. And this is where you can help.
Have a look at the projects here and, if you can, please consider helping us to fund them.
Alternatively, if you would like to make a donation to the Society's general fundraising, then please click here.
For Sterling donations:
UK Taxpayer? Why not Gift Aid?
(Or email us if you already have Gift Aid in place)
For Euro donations:
LMS (NCC) Locomotive Appeal
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| 23/9/2007: No.4 climbing Holywood bank. (W. Adams) | Painting of Mogul No.94 at Portrush. |
LMS NCC WT class 2-6-4T No.4 last steamed in 2020 and is the next locomotive to be restored to mainline service. Work is continuing alongside the reconstitution of an LMS NCC W class 2-6-0 Mogul (planned to be No.103) at our workshops at Whitehead. These are very exciting projects, moving forwards at pace.
There were 15 W class Moguls, built between 1933 and 1942 and they were the mainstay of NCC mainline services until supplanted by diesel traction in the 1950s and 1960s.
There were 18 Ivatt WT class (tank engine versions of the W class), built between 1946 and 1950. They were the most modern steam locomotives in Ireland and also one of the most useful, nicknamed the ‘Jeeps’ by Belfast’s York Road Works because of their ‘go anywhere’ capability.
All of the essential Mogul drawings have been located either in the RPSI's possession or from other sources. But both locomotives, being of the same basic design, share many interchangeable components. A substantial quantity of original parts is fortunately available for both locomotives. The new boiler for the Mogul will also fit No.4. Both locomotives are being restored side-by-side in the Dunleath Workshop at Whitehead.
Our gratitude is expressed to all who have contributed to the projects so far, not only in monetary terms but by donating vital parts - this includes a chimney and several valve gear components. Although progress has been considerable on both locomotives, much remains to do and the value of small components (the less obvious items like stays, springs, axle bearings, pipe fittings, superheater elements - the list is very long) bear a hefty price tag which like everything else is always increasing.
You can use the Donate buttons above (put "Loco Appeal" in the 'Add A Note' box), or download and return the Appeal form.
Download the NCC Appeal Donation Form
Thank you!
Note: In the event of this Appeal being oversubscribed the surplus will go towards the general fund of the RPSI and in making a donation you agree to this condition.