Our flagship Small Prairie 5541 came to the end of its 10 year boiler ticket on 30th December 2024 and has now been withdrawn from service.
Although the boiler was extensively overhauled for this expired ticket, the chassis, bunker, smokebox and chimney need extensive restoration work.
We estimate this to cost upwards of £200000 even with volunteer labour used wherever possible. To be honest we will not know the true cost until we disassemble the locomotive and access each component.
As we are currently working to restore our second Pannier 9682, (please see Current Projects) and are therefore reluctant to start a full scale restoration of 5541 as this would put strain on our financial and volunteer resources. However, we do want to make a start on 5541 and procure long lead time items such the chimney and other items.
We will be more able to list these in the New Year. In the meantime we have opened a 5541 restoration fund, so if you can help us financially, please donate by using the donate button below or directly by sending donations to 5541 restoration fund to c/o DFLG
Norchard
Forest Road
Lydney
Postcode?
Please make cheques payable to
Dean Forest Locomotive Group CIO.
Alternatively you can donate through our Donate button on the Website.
Thank you for your support
