D212 "Aureol"
The Class 40 Appeal was founded in 1985 by a group of enthusiasts determined to try and save an English Electric Type 4 (BR Class 40) locomotive, restore her to full working order, and operate the loco on one of Britain's preserved railways.
This was achieved in September 1988, when the group successfully purchased 40012 "Aureol" from the scrap line at Carlisle Kingmoor. On the 7th September the loco was towed from Carlisle to Vic Berry's Yard at Leicester for asbestos removal, before moving to her new home at the Midland Railway Centre.
Once the loco had arrived at its new home, work started almost immediately on restoring it back to full working order. This was a task which was to take us just over four years to complete, with thousands of man hours being spent on the project.
By early 1992 the loco was cosmetically restored and made her first public appearance at the Longsight depot open weekend where she stole the show. During the event the name "Aureol" was rededicated to the loco by fellow rail enthusiast Pete Waterman.
On Sunday afternoon the 18th October 1992, the loco burst into life for the first time in preservation during the autumn diesel gala at the Midland Railway Centre. A day the working members and C.F.A. members present will remember for many years to come.
Another date which will go down in the group's history book was Saturday 17th July 1993, when 212 "Aureol" made her first public run in preservation.
This was achieved in September 1988, when the group successfully purchased 40012 "Aureol" from the scrap line at Carlisle Kingmoor. On the 7th September the loco was towed from Carlisle to Vic Berry's Yard at Leicester for asbestos removal, before moving to her new home at the Midland Railway Centre.
Once the loco had arrived at its new home, work started almost immediately on restoring it back to full working order. This was a task which was to take us just over four years to complete, with thousands of man hours being spent on the project.
By early 1992 the loco was cosmetically restored and made her first public appearance at the Longsight depot open weekend where she stole the show. During the event the name "Aureol" was rededicated to the loco by fellow rail enthusiast Pete Waterman.
On Sunday afternoon the 18th October 1992, the loco burst into life for the first time in preservation during the autumn diesel gala at the Midland Railway Centre. A day the working members and C.F.A. members present will remember for many years to come.
Another date which will go down in the group's history book was Saturday 17th July 1993, when 212 "Aureol" made her first public run in preservation.
Aims and achievements
The main aims of the group is to preserve, restore, exhibit and operate a English Electric Type 4 diesel locomotive (later known as Class 40).
Since the group was formed back in 1985, many thousands of man hours have already been spent restoring 40012 back to its former glory, which allows enthusiasts of today to still enjoy the delights of seeing and travelling behind this locomotive which is now in full woring order. With over thirty years of active diesel preservation under our belts, the Class 40 Appeal has already made significant contributions towards the modern day preservation movement and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come.
Since the group was formed back in 1985, many thousands of man hours have already been spent restoring 40012 back to its former glory, which allows enthusiasts of today to still enjoy the delights of seeing and travelling behind this locomotive which is now in full woring order. With over thirty years of active diesel preservation under our belts, the Class 40 Appeal has already made significant contributions towards the modern day preservation movement and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come.
Midland Railway Centre - Butterley
Home for the locomotive is the Midland Railway Centre, Ripley, Derbyshire, a railway chosen for its main line connection and central location making it easy for most people to reach. The MB-Butterley also encourages modern diesel traction and houses one of the largest collections of modern diesels in the country.
The centre also operates a number of diesel events throughout the year, together with driver experience days using one of the diesel locomotives based at the centre. For more informatiom contact the MR-Butterley 01773 747674
The centre also operates a number of diesel events throughout the year, together with driver experience days using one of the diesel locomotives based at the centre. For more informatiom contact the MR-Butterley 01773 747674
Working Members
As a major preservation group, we are always on the look out for new members to join our friendly working parties, so if you fancy becoming involved please contact at our usual address for further details. No technical or mechanical experience is needed as training will be given. All you need is a pair of overalls and boots and no objections to getting covered in oil and dirt. On the bright side you get plenty of opportunities for cab rides and a sense of achievement seeing the loco running after all your hard work.
