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Awards and Loans

The Trust offers financial assistance to individuals or groups to carry through restoration or improvement projects to completion. The Trust also invites enquiries about sponsoring one or more Awards.

After an enforced abandonment of our presentations in 2020, the Patron of the National Transport Trust, Her Royal Highness princess Anne, presented both the 2020 and the 2021 Personal and Restoration Awards on Wednesday October 20th at Fawley Hill, the home of our President, Judy, Lady McAlpine.

 

The National Transport Trust has chosen the following projects for awards in 2021:

 

Roger Turpin - Commer Q2 Lorry

Roger Turpin

Purchased  as a dismantled chassis cab in October 2018 as the classic "basket case" and found to be missing many parts. Through the help of a sympathetic land owner a second very rotten Q2 was obtained and sufficient axle/brake parts were  present to make the restoration a possibility to its original form. Derelict when found, it is now on the road and going well.
Commer Q2

 


Chris Camps - Ford Universal Carrier

 Ford Universal Carrier

This small tracked, armoured vehicle was manufactured in the US and transported to the UK just prior to the end of World War II. The vehicle was sold to Argentina in 1949 where it was used by the Argentine army for many years. After disposal by the Argentine Government the vehicle was stored in a warehouse in Buenos Aires for many years. The current owner  spent over 5 years trying to get the correct export permits etc. This is one of only a handful of this type.

 


Jim Copeman and Tony Palmer - Klemm L2c Light Aircraft

Copeman Palmer

This project aims to restore British Klemm L25c G-ACXE and it's associated Pobjoy Cataract Ser III engine to flight.  This is the sole known remaining example of this British made aircraft type.  The rebuild of the aircraft woodwork is complete and painted including fabric covered control surfaces all applied in house.  All metal fittings have been stripped, tested, restored, repaired, and modified as required.  The engine has been rebuilt and the aircraft is now in an almost complete state after work on such parts as prop hub, oil & fuel tanks.

  Klemm L2c

 


Lawrence Mortimer - Scammell 6T Mechanical Horse

Scammell 

This Scammell Mechanical Horse is believed to last wartime army 6 tonne example left.  Following its life in the army, it was sold to a private company with other army examples; however this one was the only one to retain its original Scammell petrol engine.  All othesr purchased were converted to electric running on batteries.  There are other 3 tonne examples but this is believed to be only army 6 tonne to exist.  Everything has been stripped down to the bare chassis to create a work plan.  The next stage is to continue to build up chassis framework and start to reattach control gear for coupling system.  Another hurdle to overcome will be establishing a replacement for the current wheels and tyres which are no longer in production.

 


Gary Burns - Otter Armoured Car

Gary Burns

Built as a Canadian stop gap armoured car to replace lost equipment at Dunkirk, the Otters were made in a small number but ended up serving throughout the war in most theatres right up to the end of the hostility with most European nations.  Not many are left with only three are in the UK including this one and the one in the Hendon RAF museum.  The armoured body is almost completely finished with doors and hatches made and external bonnets and front grill made.  Next steps are for the chassis and transmission to be completely stripped, rebuilt and replaced. Otter

 


Tony Lyster - LNWR Picnic Saloon

LNWR Picnic Saloon

Located at the Bucks Railway Centre, this project involves the restoration of an 1894 LNWR Picnic Saloon from a grounded body used as a croquet pavilion to full working order.  A unique aspect of this carriage is the authenticity of every small detail, from mahogany panels to correct LNWR couplings, Mansell wheels and salvaged metal fittings and a new canvas and white lead roof covering.  Internally, the saloon will be finished with original, or known original style, posters and pictures.  The decorated ceilings and floor lino have been recreated using modern materials.  It has been a long slog to return this saloon to as near original condition as possible and it is already receiving much praise for the high restoration standards achieved from fellow restorers.

 Picnic Saloon

 

  


Simon Brook - Fordson 7V Pump Escape Fire  Engine

 Fordson 7v

Originally one of the first vehicles of its type supplied for the war effort by the Ministry of Supply, the  brief being for a vehicle which could carry an Escape ladder.  It was deemed there were enough vehicles with pumps but not enough equipment to rescue individuals.  This was one of 90 of the first order and was supplied in early 1940 to Coventry and as such  served in Coventry during the Coventry Blitz.  It remained in Coventry until its disposal in 1956.  During its time at Coventry it was converted initially with a front mounted "Barton" pump to provide water pumping ability and then at some other stage was adapted to carry CO2 equipment as well.  The history from 1956 to date is unknown but  at some stage it was part of the collection at Weedon, Northants.  Only one other "Coventry blitz" machine is known to have survived.

 


Commemorative Awards

The Commemorative Awards are named after key founding members of the National Transport Trust and represent the very best of the year's nominated projects.  Of particular note for 2021 is the inclusion of the Sir William McAlpine award, in fond memory of a restoration stalwart and enthusiastic supporter of everything that the National Transport Trust stands for. Sir William  will be missed by everyone, but inclusion of an award bearing his name is just one small way that gratitude can be shown for his immense contribution:

 

The Alan Moore Award:  Gary Boyd-Hope - Peckett Locomotive

 Peckett

This 1941 loco is the sole-surviving example of Peckett & Sons 'Yorktown' class, and as part of its overhaul the owner is looking to return it to 'as built' condition.  When first restored in 2007, the previous owners out-shopped a loco that was functional and fit for purpose, but not historically accurate.  The current owners goal is to return it to the condition in which  it was delivered to the Ministry of Supply in 1941 by carrying out a number of cosmetic changes and restoring original features, including buffers, cab, sandboxes and paintwork, that have been lost during preservation.  This loco is unique in preservation, being one of the smallest standard gauge engines ever built.  It served the War Effort in its working career, and in preservation serves as a living memorial to the famous 'steam cleric' - the Rev. Teddy Boston.  Its small size has made it very popular with the younger generation, providing a friendly and accessible way for children to enjoy steam and heritage railways.

 


Peter Allen Award: Margaret Astbury - Fowler K7 "Steam Sapper" Ploughing Engine

Margaret Astbury

This project sees the full restoration of Fowler K7 Ploughing Engine number 13310 to include new boiler, firebox and refurbishment of original parts wherever possible.  This was the last engine owned by the British Army.  Originally destined for Russia, she was intercepted en-route by the Germans on the outbreak of World War 1.  She was allocated to the Ottomeyer business, ploughing fenland around Bad Pyrmont.  The Army based in Nienberg (45th Royal Engineers) obtained her in the early 70's after being abandoned in a field, possibly in the late 50's.  They carried out significant restoration in order to steam her for the Queens silver jubilee.  Following this, she was the regiment’s mascot until disbanded around 2008.  She was purchased by the current owner and restorer in 2010.  New boiler barrel, firebox and  tube plates have been manufactured and fitted whilst refurbishment of motion and parts has been carried out by the owner and her family.  The next steps involve reassembly, painting and ongoing refurbishment including recasting of chimney base, construction of canopy, new pipe work and constant reassessment of parts.
Fowler Steam Sapper 


The David Muirhead Award: The West Somerset Railway Association

WSRA

The WSRA is refurbishing the WSRA owned Taunton Inspector's Saloon carriage with work being  undertaken by a fantastic team of volunteers.  The average age of a volunteer is 60 and most stay with the  railway for 10 years or more.  This carriage is of particular historical importance as it was the Taunton Inspector's Saloon carriage (stock number 80976w) and would have been used to cover the Great Western Line (GWR) from Bristol down to Exeter.  It was designed by Hawksworth in 1948, the chief mechanical engineer for GWR, and is a significant historical vehicle as the carriage has windows at either end.  Originally, these windows would have allowed the inspector to view the rail track and communicate with the footplate crew should a problem arise.  The carriage would have also been used by directors of the railway for transporting guests and dignitaries.

Taunton Inspectors Carriage

 


The Sir William McAlpine Award: Michael Pumfrey - Rushton Traction Engine

Michael Pumfrey

Ruston and Proctor traction engine No. 50278 was built in 1914, and delivered new to Charles Pumfrey & Sons of Duxford, in whose family she still remains, and where it is now undergoing a full boiler rebuild and other repairs.  One of very few engines still in the same family from new, based within five miles for her whole life (excluding wartime service, where she made a national record baling 242 tons of hay in a week during WW1).  In preservation, as well as rallies and working events she often attended local fetes and educational events such as open farm Sunday.  Her owner Robert Pumfrey was awarded the BEM for services to the Heritage of Steam and Agricultural Machinery in East Anglia, for attending such events.  Time takes its toll however, and significant rectification work is now required.  Research is being carried out with a view to returning her to her original colour chocolate brown livery not seen since 1969.  In addition, fittings and loose parts need to be cleaned/repaired/serviced as necessary.  She is a well known and well loved traction engine in the local area and has a great working history in that same area.  She is also well known and well regarded in the local steam scene and has set a few apprentices on to a life in the wonderful hobby of owning restoring and running traction engines over the years. Rushton

 

 

The National Transport Trust makes loans to groups, associations and individuals at advantageous rates for the restoration of artefacts - whether mobile or part of the infrastructure.  Applications must be supported by a simple business plan which demonstrates the financial viability of the project. A sample business plan is available on request from the Treasurer.

 

The Trust does occasionaly make Awards for schemes which further the preservation movement. Again if you wish further information please contact the Treasurer.

 

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National Transport Trust, Old Bank House, 26 Station Approach, Hinchley Wood, Esher, Surrey KT10 0SR