Preservation Attempt - IMR No.17 'Viking' (2)

This is already in the narrow gauge forum, would there be any chance of leaving this here for a few days? We could use all the coverage we can get.

“Isle of Man Railway No.17 Viking Preservation Attempt”

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 lines original, 1873 locomotives from Beyer Peacock.
Over the next 19 years the locomotive found use on P.W. 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 enthusiasts are 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?
We have already had a number of pledges for support, both financial and physical – towards our target of preserving ‘Viking’.
Our target is £2,600 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 us at our email address
manxviking17@gmail.com.
Time is quickly running out to save this locomotive
Schöema ‘Viking’ Preservation Group