Kilmersdon visits Trevithick Day at Cambourne and then joins us at Helston.











Picture of William Murdoch when she was at Hilsea Gas Works, Portsmouth
July 2017 - Donation of £14,000 towards the restoration of William Murdoch
Tremendous news - we have received notification from the AIA that they are able to fund the restoration of William Murdoch - including boiler repair, fitting of vacuum brakes and a fresh coat of paint - as part of their objective to preserve British industrial heritage.
Read the letter - click here
Work is under way on William Murdoch's boiler and it is estimated that the engine will be in operation in the August/September time frame.
Boiler ready for refurbishment.
The boiler had been removed from the frame and is now in the car park. Scott Yeo had agreed to burn out the tubes so that they could be replaced.
Mike Gorringe of GWR Preservation Group will be visiting the Railway soon to view progress.
The cab and saddle tank are presently at Blast Clean and Coatings, Longdowns, for painting.
It is expected that William Murdoch would return to service at Easter 2017.
A local heritage railway will be assisting us prepare operating procedures for William Murdoch.
Water Tower - Update December 2016
Peall Trust has come to our aid again and made a substantial donation for us to construct a water tower for William Murdoch.
Construction is well under way and we are anticipating delivery in the New Year.
Below is a picture of the water tower at Praze-an-Beeble station in the 1950's.
William Murdoch in steam shortly after her arrival in November 2016.
We have received confirmation of our grant from Helston Town Council of £750.00 towards the cost of transporting William Murdoch to Prospidnick
Short clip of William Murdoch steamed up prior to winter maintenance. She is now having her boiler refurbished prior to having it certified ready for the 2017 season.
Examination of the current condition of William Murdoch is ongoing but is expected to be completed by the mid October.
Obtaining a new boiler ticket is highly desirable as any work could be carried out over the winter months and this would give us a new 10 year licence.
Boiler examination
Smoke
30 September - unloading our new shunter.
On the line at Trevarno - Toot Toot!
29th September - she's arrived!
As many of you would have heard on the radio - William Murdoch and her transporter caused quite a stir on the A30 today!
Following our application for a grant for £1,500 towards the cost of the "Steam Comes to Helston" project and the Town Council meeting on 15 September where we made a short presentation, the Deputy Town Clerk has called to inform us that we have been granted £750.
Considering there is only £4,000 being allocated in this round of funding - and that there were 7 applications for grants, being allocated this amount is excellent news and reflects the high regard the Councillors have for our project.
Key elements in their decision were -
Formal notification of the decision will be received in writing shortly.
Town Council Meeting is 15th September. There are 7 Grant Applications for the Council to consider - see attached - click here
5 September 2016 - we have applied to Helston Town Council for a grant to help cover some of the initial costs of having William Murdoch at the Railway. We have asked for £1,500. The Council have an annual grant budget of about £8,000 - our grant application, if accepted, may be adjusted depending on the number of applications received.
Applications will be discussed at the full Town Council meeting on 15 September at 7.15 pm. This is an open meeting and "Grant applicants are encouraged to attend the Helston Town Council meeting to verbally support the grant application".
Decision will be announced in October.
HAVE YOUR LOGO APPEAR HERE
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If you cannot wait to see the engine then there is a video on YouTube
https://youtu.be/YIbSHRxTE1s
Posted by Terry - 2nd August 2016
Steam comes to Helston in August 2016