LNWR King George V new build?

We are certainly living in exciting times! All it needs is for one of us to scoop a big lottery win. Millions of pounds have been won on the lottery and Euro Millions, but never, it seems, by any railway enthusiasts. Where's the justice in that?!

 

Don't you just hate it when just as you're about to complete a long post or email your computer decides to go and crash on you? Second attempt at writing this reply then.

To recap, there'd been a post on the LNER society's forums regarding a proposal for a new build LNWR George 5th class. I made the original post here on NP to ascertain if anyone knew more about the rumour and could potentially shed some light on it's veracity. In the end I to it upon myself to approach Mr Bruce Nixon personally; the gentleman mentioned in connection with the proposal in the original post on the LNER forums. I'm very happy to say that Mr Nixon responded last Friday and was both delighted with my enquiry and forthright with information. He has been able to confirm that there is a serious proposal for a new-build George 5th class and he and a fellow member of the project's steering committee; a Mr Paul Hibberd (as some of you may know, Mr Hibberd has been involved with securing engines from Barry and is involved with the B17 project. I got the impression that the B17 is still underway despite recent rumours to the contrary) have subsequently furnished me with a large amount of information concerning the project and it's current status. The project incidentally has the backing of the LNWR and SLS (Stephenson Locomotive) societies. Mr Nixon recently wrote articles for Heritage Railways, Steam, Rail and the Railway Magazine outlining history of the LNWR's George 5th class, his personal connection with the engines and making a call for a new build on this sadly extinct class.

As it stands, the steering committee have procured detailed drawings and other documentation from the NRM and the LNWR and are at the stage where they are looking to make the project more public, register for charitable status and open for membership. Both men have made it clear to me that they're in need of assistance with publicity, specifically utilising social media and such. They have informed me that all information provided to me can be publicly disseminated. I will pass this information to John, editor of the 'New Build Steam' blog (http://newbuildsteam.com) because I believe his site serves as an ideal and useful central repository for information on new build projects. His website is an excellent jumping-off point.

Anyone interesting in becoming involved, specifically to assist with the promotion of the project is invited to contact Paul Hibberd:. His email address is: paulhibberd (at) gmail.com
I'm still going through the information but if anyone has any questions, feel free to post them here. I'll let Bruce and Paul know of my update here and if they choose to answer inquiries directly or offer further informaiton they may do so.

 

Excellent work, and thanks for the info. Article to follow, most likely this weekend!

 

I see the article is published now. Great work John and thank you for the nod.

John's article on his blog, New Build Steam concerning this excellent project after our conversations with Bruce Nixon and Phil Hibberd is here. Well worth the read:
http://newbuildsteam.com/2011/08/21/lnwr-george-the-fifth/#comment-34