'It is the achievement that counts' - R.A. Riddles
71000 Steam Locomotive Trust operates the Duke
on mainline charters and preserved railways. This operation,
like the recent Heritage Lottery Fund restoration of the locomotive
to mainline standards, consumes thousands of volunteer hours.
In common with many operators of heritage traction, the Trust
is committed to offering the widest public access through
71000 appearances as a live working exhibit
at a variety of venues and settings.
To this end, some Trust members and Friends of 71000
actively participate in the organisation, maintenance and
running of the locomotive. Our team draws from a variety of
backgrounds to offer support and expertise from a wide range
of disciplines:
Administration and sales
- Delivering standards of professionalism such as those expected
whilst operating in a modern railway environment calls for
efficient and effective organisation geared towards achieving
smooth running in day to day operations, as well as securing
a long term future for the “Duke”.
Key support activities include:
Membership
accounts, records and communications
Sales
and fundraising
Commercial
operations, education and publicity
Specific skills are not essential to work in any of these
areas, but experience is always welcomed, as is, a willingness
to learn or share expertise.
Engineering - Highly qualified
engineers maintain the locomotive and support coach to the
exacting standards set by the bodies responsible for heritage
traction operating on the national network and preserved railways.
Only those with suitable backgrounds can be considered where
'safety critical' work is involved.
Unskilled volunteers sometimes pick up a few engineering
skills and often assist engineers. Sometimes, its just a matter
of actually picking up things such as connecting rods -
nothing is light on a locomotive such as the Duke!
Support crew - Maintaining
and turning out a locomotive for mainline and heritage railway
operations calls for high level of dedication and professionalism
in every aspect of the work involved. Some bring expertise
from their occupational background, whilst others join for
an experience far removed from the grind of daily work routine.
Whatever your motivation for joining our mainline support
crew, you must be:
physically
fit (have passed a medical including eyesight test)
be
in possession of a PTSC (personal track safety certificate
- courses can be arranged through the Trust)
Additionally you should:
be
prepared to work long hours - but within Health and Safety
guidelines
be
prepared to undertake a variety of tasks and get your hands,
face and everything else dirty - fireboxes, smokeboxes
and ash pits are not the cleanest of places!
be
prepared to work as part of a team sometimes using your own
initiative, sometimes under supervision
above
all enjoy experiencing at close quarters the magic and sheer
power that is the Duke
Members of 71000 support crew
with locomotive at Bombardier Works Crewe, November 2005. The
locomotive is pictured on the weighbridge shortly before departure
to the Mid Hants Railway in preparation for working the Cathedrals
Express.
71000 and Mk2 support coach enroute to
Bombardier Works, Crewe for weighing before light engine movement
to the Mid Hants Railway. The Trust’s support vehicle
contains essential spares for the locomotive and sleeping
accommodation for support crew. (Photos: Keith Langston).
71000 Trust volunteer group is open to
all regardless of background (or ability) who share a passion
for 71000 the locomotive. Commitments may be large or small,
but should be offered in the spirit of providing reliable
support to a team dedicated to achieving professional standards.
If you wish to join us please contact the following individuals by email:
Engineering: Dr Gary Shannon
Email: engineering@71000trust.com
Alternatively, please write to the Trust’s
registered address at:
