Crampton drawings “fully funded”

Drawings for the Crampton Locomotive Trust’s new-build Crampton project can now be created, thanks to the full £55,000 cost of the project being funded.


The locomotive the CLT intends to re-create: SER ‘Crampton’ 4-2-0 No. 81, near Penhurst on a Dover boat train circa 1850. MIKE PEASE

Trust spokesman, Mike Pease, says: “When the full set of drawings has been completed, we will mark the completion of the first stage of our project by producing bound copies which will be presented to organisations which have helped us, and which could make them available for research by students and enthusiasts.

“If anyone uses the drawings creatively to further their academic or professional studies, or produces a model or a display, we would be delighted to hear from them and to work with them. We are just as keen to promote the works of Thomas Crampton as to build our locomotive.”

The CLT plans to build a replica of South Eastern Railway No. 81 (see SR461), the first of three Crampton 4-2-0s built for the railway in 1847 by Whitehaven firm Tulk & Ley. As previously reported, the CLT intends to commission respected locomotive engineers Graham Morris and David Potter to act as project managers.

Mr Pease says: “we'd far sooner pay more and have the peace of mind that would go with professionals undertaking the job, and this will probably save a great deal of money in the long run.” It is estimated that it will cost £750,000 to complete the Crampton locomotive.

The CLT is also appealing for experienced or qualified enthusiasts to take part in the project. Anyone interested can write to: Crampton Locomotive Trust, ‘Little Penfro’, 5 Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3QY, or email: enquiries@cramptonlocomotivetrust.org.uk. Further details about Thomas Crampton, and the replica project can be found at: www.cramptonlocomotivetrust.org.uk.

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