NRM launches appeal to preserve east coast icon

A team of dedicated volunteers, the self-titled ‘Koyli’ Group’, have been working on the well-known locomotive since October 2008. With No. 55002 due to move into the main engineering workshop where it will rub shoulders with steam legend Flying Scotsman, the group and Museum officials have identified that £25k needs to be raised to replace a number of vital components, including the manufacture of two radiators.

KOYLI earned a place in the history books when it was chosen for preservation at the NRM in the early 1980s as a prime example of the Deltic class. The Deltic locomotives reigned supreme for more than twenty years on the East Coast Main Line from their introduction in 1961 through to their sad farewell in January 1982. They were the natural successors to the much-loved A3 and A4 steam locomotives and changed the lives of many commuters by significantly reducing journey times from London to Edinburgh.

Stuart Page, coordinator of the Koyli Group said:

"There is an army of Deltic fans out there and parts have already been donated to the restoration project from a wide range of preservation groups including the Class 50 Alliance Group and Royal Scots Grey. However, we still have a number of vital parts missing which will need to be manufactured, hence the need for a public appeal."

The efforts of Stuart’s team will include the restoration of the locomotive’s carriage heating system, making the 55002 the only Deltic in preservation to have this facility. If the appeal is successful, long term plans for the KOYLI could include operation on preserved railways and the main line.

Louisa Wood, Development Executive at the NRM added:

"The KOYLI plays a key role in the story of the railway as it represents the 1960s development in high speed passenger travel. The NRM are delighted to team up with the KOYLI group in this restoration project to safeguard the future of this key item in the National Collection and we hope the public will be generous in offering Stuart and the team financial support."

KOYLI is currently situated in the interactive display ‘The Flying Scotsman Story’, at the NRM. For further information and updates on the progress of the appeal visit
www.55002koyli.com Supporters can donate via the Big Give website on www.thebiggive.org.uk.

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For more information, please contact:
Catherine Farrell, Senior Press Officer, NRM. 01904 686281 catherine.farrell@nrm.org.uk

Notes to editors:

• The Kings Own Light Infantry is currently on display at the NRM.
• It will cost £35,000 to repair the KOYLI with the ultimate aim of eventually making it operational for preserved lines. The NRM will fund part of the project, with the volunteers hoping to raise £25,000 towards this exciting project through the public appeal.
• The Kings Own Yorkshire Life Infantry rose to prominence in 1980 when repainted into the original two-tone green livery to mark the impending preservation at the NRM.
• No. 55002 took part in many rail tours before being withdrawn on the 30 December 1981 and taking up position in the Great Hall. Two months later it took part in the ‘Farewell to the Deltics’ event at Doncaster on 27th February 1982. The locomotive last ran in 1997 at the East Lancashire Railway “Three Deltics” event.
• After an abortive effort in 1999 to return 55002 to the mainline the locomotive was moved to Wabtec at Doncaster with many key components missing. She then found a home at the new depot of the Deltic Preservation Society at Barrow Hill where the loco was cosmetically restored to BR Blue before returning to the NRM in 2006.
• For more information on the NRM, please visit www.nrm.org.uk.