Danish F Class 654 and the ESPS

**ANNOUNCEMENT**

'European Steam Preservation Society'

A new society to be based at the Nene Valley Railway has arrived! Built on the history of the NVR and its continental roots, the aim of this new society is to focus on the restoration and operation of locomotives from across Europe, preserving continental steam in the UK for the 21st century - The European Steam Preservation Society.

So with this, comes our first major announcement. We are pleased to share with you all that we have been offered a stable mate for Nene Valley Railways 656, it's elder sibling no less - Danish State Railway F class number 654!

With the Nene Valley Railway operating its own Danish F class, no.656, interest in its restoration and operation has been received far and wide, notably from Neumünster, Germany. At the Kulturlokschuppen museum, identical locomotive class member no.654 resides in static condition, having last ran in 2017. With the Neumünster museum due to recieve a new locomotive next year and space limited, it's current owners have expressed their desire to sell 654 onwards to a new home, with the wish that it returns to operation under new ownership.

Following an in depth conversation with the owner, and a visit to see 654 in Neumünster by two of the groups members, the decision was made to create the European Steam Preservation Society and look to purchase the locomotive, bring 654 to the Nene Valley Railway, and operate the loco once restored to running condition.

This is a unique opportunity, both for the Nene Valley Railway and for the fledgling 'ESPS', and we are extremely keen to share this opportunity with all of you!

So far, a deposit to secure the locomotive has been submitted and and agreement between the two parties is drafted. After this and once the society has completed all relevant documentation, fundraising will open to finalise purchase and transportation of the locomotive to bring 654 to rejoin its twin at Wansford.

The condition of 654 has been assessed and signs are promising that the locomotive can expect a return to steam swiftly and without too much difficulty.

We can't wait to show more of 654, the society, and how you can get involved! Watch this space for more exciting news updates coming over the coming days and weeks!

 

Our first major fundraising appeal has launched to help purchase and get 654 to Wansford!

for just £6.54 a month - less than the price of a cup of coffee a week, you can help support our appeal as well as be in with the chance of winning one of three cash prizes in our monthly draw!

to sign up, click on the link below:

https://european-steam-preservation...giqlixpttTziQuCwWw_aem_sHSN0KIq-seVi0mvuf8T6Q

 

If you would like to make a one off donation, please consider donating on our justgiving page on the link below, or email europeansteampreservation@gmail.com for further options:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfun...IzFpvyKFFvWHVVNt1g_aem_uTB6f6b1OfedNRg45N2HJQ

 

"The condition of 654 has been assessed and signs are promising that the locomotive can expect a return to steam swiftly and without too much difficulty."

How many times have I heard this in the past.....................?
Is there any interest in European steam in this country? Most enthusiasts are very insular with regard to their hobby.

 

The NVR’s Eurosteam events were quite popular back in the day and people still turn up to ride behind the Danish and Polish tanks so interest is there. Sufficiently interest to fund this project? Only time will tell.