Working closely with the Great Western Society at Didcot, No. 3840 is to be built to the pattern of the 10 original ‘Counties’ erected at Swindon in 1911/12, featuring Holcroft curved frames and screw reverse. The locomotive will incorporate both original GWR and new components, such as the ‘Standard No. 4’ boiler formerly carried by unrestored 2-8-0T No. 5227 and the 6ft 8½in driving wheel pattern used for Didcot’s re-created ‘Saint’ 4-6-0 No. 2999 Lady of Legend.

With other parts including the bogie wheels, axleboxes and a suitable Churchward 3,500 gallon tender chassis set aside for the project, the Churchward County Trust already has a considerable head start in component terms. Thanks to the manufacturing advancements made in the course of other new-build schemes, we hope that No. 3840 could steam in as little as 10 years’ time.

Please join us on our adventure!