Can you help save a diesel from being scrapped?

SOS appeal launched at Heritage Railway Magazine | Facebook

SOS: HELP SAVE VIKING FROM THE SCRAPYARD!

The unique Isle of Man Railway diesel locomotive No.17 Viking could be in danger of being scrapped if a deal cannot be reached to secure its future.
The locomotive is currently in store on the Isle of Man and is no surplus to requirements with the imminent arrival of a new-build replacement.
No.17 Viking was built by Schöema Lokomotiven, Diepholz, Germany in 1958.
It was purchased second-hand for the Isle of Man Railway in 1992 as the railways first ‘full’ diesel locomotive. It was unveiled at a naming ceremony during the 1993 Year of the Railways. The name chosen was selected as part of a competition and was originally intended to be carried by one of the line’s original, 1873 locomotives from Beyer Peacock.
Over the next 19 years the locomotive found use on permanent way trains, deputising for failed steam locomotives, fire trains and other special events. It became a regular site along the railway during this time.
In July 2011 it suffered a mechanical failure while banking a service train and has remained out of use ever since.
The locomotive is currently stored with a very uncertain future ahead of it and is also considered surplus to the railways requirements.
A group of Isle of Man enthusiastsise now planning a preservation attempt and hope to see the locomotive forming part of a static display at a number of possible sites on the Isle of Man. But there may be little time left before this unique locomotive is broken up for scrap.
How can you help?
The Schöema Viking Preservation Group has already had a number of pledges for support, both financial and physical – towards our target of preserving Viking.
Its target is £2600 for the purchase of the locomotive and removal from the railway for display at a separate location.
If you wish to help save this locomotive please contact the Schöema Viking Preservation Group by email at
manxviking17@gmail.com.
Time is quickly running out to save this locomotive.