Please help return 6695 to steam

6695 Loco Group Facebook Page - Full Story and Share Application Form

Top cover photo credit: Roger Bray - Photo above credit: Andrew PM Wright

6695 is a former Great Western Railway locomotive built in 1928 and designed to haul both passengers and goods traffic. Two hundred GWR 5600 class locomotives were built and remained in service until withdrawn by British Railways between 1962 and 1965. Nine of the class have survived into preservation.

6695 was purchased from Barry scrapyard in 1978 by the 6695 Loco Group and took 26 years to restore. It returned to steam in 2005 on the Swanage Railway where it successfully ran for ten years.

6695 was withdrawn from service in 2015 and is undergoing a complete overhaul by specialist companies and a group of dedicated volunteers. Work is well underway and this is an appeal to raise the funds to complete the works needed to return the engine to full working order in 2020, where 6695 will run on the West Somerset Railway.

The total cost of the overhaul is around £300,000 of which £150,000 is for the boiler overhaul alone. We really need your help in raising these funds. You can donate any amount - everything helps.

This £50,000 will go towards the specialist works needed to restore the boiler. Just some of the items needed include rivets and nuts at £3 each, Screws and steel stays £10 each, Steel smoke tubes £30 each, Superheater flues are £200 each and Superheater elements are £1000 each.

If you would like to be further involved and own a part of history you can become a shareholder - Shares are £250 each - Please complete the share application form (link on 6695 facebook page ). You will receive the latest 6695 polo shirt and anyone purchasing four or more shares will also receive a framed limited edition print - 6695s Autumn Freight (picture below). All shareholders will be invited to ride on the inaugural return to steam.

6695 green polo shirts are £15 each (plus postage £2) (small, medium, large, extra large). If you would like one in return for your donation please email your name and address to locomotive6695@btinternet.com

If you would like to help us fund raise please let us know. You can do anything from a sponsored walk or any type of challenge ! You can link your just giving page to this page.

Please help to get this historic locomotive back on the tracks and enjoy the excitement of preserving history for future generations.

We hope that we can welcome you on board when 6695 is restored.

Thank you so much for your generosity and support - 6695 Loco Group