The latest fundraising project is the self-published ‘The Story of ‘Black Prince’: How art saved a spaceship’ and tells the tale of the celebrity 9F’s history from British Railways to the present day – and to help raise funds for its next overhaul.
‘The story of Black Prince’ covers the engine’s days in Mr. Shepherd’s ownership at the start of the preservation movement, including its spells at the Longmoor Military and East Somerset railways, right up to its present career in the NNR steam fleet.
The booklet also delves into the fascinating history of the 9F class, including the various experiments and modifications trialled on the 2-10-0s – such as mechanical stokers and the ungainly Franco-Crosti boilers.
The booklet also delves into the fascinating history of the 9F class, including the various experiments and modifications trialled on the 2-10-0s – such as mechanical stokers and the ungainly Franco-Crosti boilers.
Putting the 9F into perspective against the standardisation programme devised by designer Robert Riddles, a final selection discusses the other standard locomotives.
Simon Holyfield, from Friends of Black Prince, said: “We’ve put together The Story of ‘Black Prince’ mainly to help raise funds for the engine’s overhaul in a few years’ time, but also in response to many of the questions we get asked about No. 92203’s history.
“It’s been a regular performer during the preservation era, gained great fame when named and owned by David Shepherd, and has a connection with the much-lamented Somerset and Dorset Railway - so there is always a lot of interest in its life both pre- and post-preservation.
“We hope anyone with an interest in Black Prince, or 9Fs in general, will find it an entertaining and engaging read, as well as feeling they are contributing to its future as an operational engine.”
The booklet can be bought for £3.99 (+p&p) from the Friends of Black eBay shop (search ‘The story of Black Prince’ in the eBay searchbar). All proceeds will go towards funding work on the engine.
Friends of Black Prince was set up after the 9F was sold to the NNR to champion and fundraise for No. 92203. You can find out more about the group, including how to join up as a regular supporter, by emailing friendsofblackprince@gmail.com or by searching ‘Friends of Black Prince’ on Facebook.
“It’s been a regular performer during the preservation era, gained great fame when named and owned by David Shepherd, and has a connection with the much-lamented Somerset and Dorset Railway - so there is always a lot of interest in its life both pre- and post-preservation.
“We hope anyone with an interest in Black Prince, or 9Fs in general, will find it an entertaining and engaging read, as well as feeling they are contributing to its future as an operational engine.”
The booklet can be bought for £3.99 (+p&p) from the Friends of Black eBay shop (search ‘The story of Black Prince’ in the eBay searchbar). All proceeds will go towards funding work on the engine.
Friends of Black Prince was set up after the 9F was sold to the NNR to champion and fundraise for No. 92203. You can find out more about the group, including how to join up as a regular supporter, by emailing friendsofblackprince@gmail.com or by searching ‘Friends of Black Prince’ on Facebook.
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