21/04/2026
Unique opportunity at FRHT
08 Class Diesel Locomotive
The Ferryhill Heritage Railway Trust has determined that as part of the next stage of our development we should acquire a Shunter Locomotive to allow us to provide trips around the site, to move rolling stock around the site (and potentially to help Scotrail, LNER, and Caledonian Sleeper, in addition to visiting Steam Charters, move their rolling stock while at Ferryhill.) This will augment our Ruston diesel which will continue to fulfil lighter duties.
08 Class diesels are not cheap. Currently there are a few potentially available for sale to the Trust. To enable the trust to purchase one we are proposing the following arrangement which has some precedent at other heritage railways.
We propose to set up a conventional company limited by shares. There will be a limited number of shares, say 16 shares of £2,500 each (£40,000 should buy a good used engine). We would invite members and the public to buy shares. In parallel we would invite members and the public to donate to the Trust's separate 08 fund. When the Trust has raised enough funds, we would purchase a number of shares in the limited company. (Ideally 9 shares thus giving the Trust control of the loco, although this is not essential).
That way anyone wishing to own a share in a loco can do so and equally those who don't, but wish to help, can also do so.
We accept there is much to do to take this forward, but if you are interested in contributing please contact our Treasurer, in confidence, about the amount you would be interested in contributing.
Our Treasurer’s contact details are [email protected]
