Construction Timeline
2026-09-22
Frame Trial Fit of Hornblocks
Our Trailing hornblocks were delivered at last. We carried out a trial fit, and removed the Driving hornblocks to clean the interfaces. All were temporarily bolted up to achieve a nice snug fit.
Our
2026-07-28
Cab Splashers Delivered
Eagle Fabrications have now delivered our cab splashers.
We will fit them to our cab outer panels as soon as possible
2026-02-04
Frame Assembly Milestone Achieved
Frame Assembly permanently fastened together, marking completion of our Frame Assembly Appeal.
9 October 2025
Frame Assembly - Alignment of front frames, fitting buffer beam etc
Front frames now aligned, buffer beam fitted. It's looiking good!
13 October 2025
Hornblocks Ordered
Hornblocks have been order from Trefoil Steel. Our Biggest order so far!
22 May 2025
First Stage Frame Assembly
First Stage Frame Assembly by Keyte Smith Ltd. Main Frame Plates, Dragbox, Motion Plate and Frame Stretcher now permanently assembled. A very significant step forward for the Trust!
March 2025
Frames Prepared for Permanent Assembly
Everything stripped off the Main Frames ready for Permanent assembly.
Trial Fit of Front Frame Plates to Main Frames.
March 2025
Front Frame Plates Delivered
Front Frame Plates now delivered, ready for assembly on to the main frame plateassembly.
Front Frame Plates Ready for Assembly
February 2025
Motion Plate and Frame Stretcher Delivered
Boro Foundry have delivered our motion plate and frame stretcher. We plan to fit these by summer!
December 2024
Dragbox Manufacture in Progress
Profile Cutting of dragbox plates is complete, and welding of the drawgear pivot housing “H” section is complete.
November 2024
Motion Plate and Frame Stretcher Cast
Boro Foundry have cast our Motion Plate and Frame Stretcher. They now await machining when a slot is available.
Motion Plate and Frame Stretcher
July 2024
Cab Footsteps Delivered, Acceptance Process Clarified
Cab footsteps have been delivered to Crewe Heritage Centre. They were fabricated by Metal World Engineering Limited. They have done a great job of imitating the look of the cast LNWR steps.
After delivery, we called in at Ricardo and discussed the submission for approval of the motion plate and frame stretcher. An intangible perhaps, but very important for our next steps.
March 2024
Cab Upper Handrails
Keyte Smith, our long-term supporter, produced the top plate, tub and bottom boss. These were welded and polished by ACE Stainless Fabrications of Draycott near Derby. Their fabricated construction beautifully mimics the forged end of the original. Sadly, fitting these requires the cab top to be lifted, which is not possible at the Heritage Centre.
November 2023
Toolbox
Our Rusty LNWR Toolbox has been cleaned up, and put to use as a store for our tools and small parts at Crewe.
July 2023
Crewe Heritage Centre
Our part-built replica of a 1910 LNWR ‘George the Fifth’ Class locomotive, by kind permission of the Palace carrying the number 2013 and named ‘Prince George’, has gone on public display at Crewe Heritage Centre.
The locomotive left the Kirkby-in Ashfield works of our contractor Keyte Smith Ltd. on a low loader and arrived at Crewe Heritage Centre a couple of hours later. It now forms the centrepiece of the Crewe Works area in the Main Hall, as part of the Forging History Exhibition celebrating the 180th anniversary of the establishment of Crewe Works, run in association with Crewe Town Council.
The LNWR built the original locomotives at the former number 9 Erecting Shop at the west end of the Works, now part of a housing estate. The Trust is delighted to have the opportunity to display the locomotive at Crewe. The Trust’s engineer is particularly pleased, having started his working life in Crewe Works in 1961.
On show, Crewe Heritage Centre
December 2020
For the first time in 108 years two new George the Fifth main frame plates were set up
Main frame plates set up!
December 2020
Main Frames Produced
May 2020
Cab Construction Commences
April 2019
No Longer Flatpack
Front end
December 2018
Boiler Shell Design Underway
October 2018
Handrail Complete
At last we have a welded handrail. As its a little over 6m long its a good job someone has a suitable boat trailer! Next job is to get it down to Hickling and hot work the two corners. Then a spray coat of black, mount the chimney and stand back to admire the view. Handrail fitted on 23rd October!
Handrail detail
July 2018
Lamp Sockets Machined
Lamp socket work
June 2018
Handrail Knobs Produced
Handrail Knobs
May 2018
LNWR Loco Toolbox Obtained
We took possession of an LNWR loco toolbox (ex A E Grigg of Bletchley MPD) and LNWR design regulator and quadrant.
LNWR Loco Toolbox
February 2018
Chimney and Capuchon Delivered
The base which fits onto the smokebox plus the stem of the chimney has now been mated with the top of the chimney.
Chimney, whistle and Team
October 2017
Coupling Rods Forged
Summer 2017
Chimney Top Cast
Chimney top graphic
May 2016
Pattern for Bogie Wheels Complete
Bogie Wheel Pattern
Spring 2016
Smokebox Complete
Initial painting
June 2015
Front Buffer Beam Produced
Autumn 2014
Front Frames Produced
Front frames which extend from the front buffer beam to just behind the motion.
July 2014
Prince George Unveiled
Twenty foot length of running plate of one side of the locomotive including splasher with nameplate and crest and lower cab side with numberplate all with authentic LNWR livery.
In a very smart move, and with permission, the locomotive is named Prince George, and has the number 2013, the year of the Prince’s birth. The first of the LNWR Class was of course named after the Prince’s great-great-great grandfather, King George the Fifth.
The Unveiling
June 2012
Whistle - Donated by Robin Dean
Original item! It came from a tank engine which worked at Wolverton Works
Original Whistle