71000 Duke of Gloucester, built by British Railways in 1954 was intended to be the forerunner of a new breed of modern express steam locomotives embodying the latest developments in steam technology. Rescued from a scrapyard by a small group of enthusiasts chasing the “Impossible Dream”, 71000 Duke of Gloucester became one of the great success stories of the preservation scene during the 1970s and 1980s.
After successful mainline working during the early 1990s, further restoration and a major overhaul was undertaken with substantial funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Today, 71000 Trust operates the Duke from its home base, the East Lancashire Railway, on a wide programme of mainline charters, special events and preserved line workings.
Improvements in cylinder efficiency through development of the Caprotti poppet valve gear suggest that the best the Duke can do has yet to be seen!
