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STATE OF THE ART MEASUREMENT SYSTEM USED TO ACCELERATE CONSTRUCTION OF BRITAIN’S MOST POWERFUL STEAM LOCOMOTIVE Project inspires young engineers from UTC South Durham The project to build new Gresley class P2 steam locomotive No. 2007 Prince of Wales is delighted to announce that Shildon-based Bignall Group, in collaboration with Hexagon Metrology Limited of Telford, has sponsored the critical measurement of the locomotive using a state-of-the-art 3D laser tracker system. Young aspiring engineers from UTC South Durham witnessed this equipment being used. These measurements will allow the engineers from The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust working on No. 2007, to precisely align all four wheelsets within the engine’s frames. This sponsorship is a significant contribution to the project not only in its monetary value, but also giving the Trust confidence that the results are precise, meaning considerably less time will be needed than using traditional methods.

Measurements taking place at DLW - Daniela Filová

Further measurements at DLW - Daniela Filová

Bignall Group Ltd recently contacted The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust as John Bignall, owner and Director of Bignall Group Ltd, is very interested in the design and engineering aspects of the project to build No. 2007 Prince of Wales. Upon being shown around the locomotive following an introduction from local Darlington Councillor Chris McEwan, John was keen to help the project and liaised with his various contacts to allow the Trust to use state-of-the-art technology to measure the precise position of the horn block liners relative to one another. On Tuesday 11^th September 2018, John Bignall, along with Hexagon Metrology Limited, brought a 3D measuring device to Darlington Locomotive Works. As John is also a co-sponsor of UTC South Durham, and the Trust is an educational charity, it was decided that this would be a great opportunity for young aspiring engineers to see the measurement system in action, as well as to demonstrate the portable measuring arm that the students also use at college. John Bignall, Director of Bignall Group Ltd, commented: “As designers and developers of engineered products, we are pleased, to be able to work with The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust on their exciting project to build No. 2007 Prince of Wales. We organised Hexagon Metrology Limited alongside UTC of South Durham to visit the works for what was a very educational hands-on experience of the equipment the students are using in their studies. “We are delighted to support the project to build Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive as they share our engineering values” David Elliott, Director of Engineering, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, added: “We are pleased to be working with Bignall Group and Hexagon Metrology Limited using state-of-the-art 3D laser based measuring equipment to survey the frames of our new Gresley class P2, No. 2007 Prince of Wales. “Their sponsorship will help the Trust maintain the progress necessary to complete the new locomotive in 2021.” Mark Allatt, P2 Project Director, The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust concluded: “We are delighted with the level of support that the project to build Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive has received since construction started only four years ago. Thanks to our supporters’ continued generosity, over £2m has been spent on construction, over £2.4m donated and over £3.1m pledged. “We are confident that we will have completed the rolling chassis for No. 2007 Prince of Wales in 2018 and we remain on-track for completion of the new locomotive in 2021. However, to maintain this rate of progress we need to raise more than £700,000 per year, which given the nature of the regular donation scheme becomes more challenging as each year passes. We would encourage all steam enthusiasts who haven’t yet contributed to this exciting project to help us to meet these deadlines by becoming a monthly covenantor or a member of The Boiler Club or The Motion Club. It’s time to get on board! This year will see further major announcements as the construction of new Gresley class P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales continues to gather pace.”