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The Formation of The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust
The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust (PRCLT) was established in 1993, when the shareholders of the 80080 Locomotive Company Limited—owners of locomotives 80080 and 80098—joined forces with Mr. Brell Ewart, owner of locomotive No. 46203 PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE. Their combined assets created a single charitable organisation, opening the door to greater opportunities for future development.
With charitable status secured, the newly formed PRCLT was dedicated to the preservation, restoration, operation, and display of locomotives, particularly those of The Princess Royal Class. While remaining closely associated with the Midland Railway Trust, the PRCLT remains an independent organisation, fully in control of its own destiny. This permits the Trust to operate as a “stand-alone” organisation on the Swanwick Junction complex, whilst still working closely with the MRT to deliver high quality events and maintenance of our heritage rolling stock.
Building WEST SHED
In 1994, using profits from railtours, the Trust embarked on an ambitious project to build its own headquarters. The goal was to create a space large enough to house the three standard-gauge locomotives, the 21-inch gauge collection, and two standard-gauge coaches.
Construction began later that year and was completed in 1996. Volunteers laid over half a mile of track and four turnouts, using approximately 5000 tons of infill to form the embankment that serves as the yard’s headshunt.
Inside the shed, original windows and a door rescued from Westhouses Locomotive Shed (18B) were incorporated into the design. Situated at the west end of the Swanwick Junction site of the Midland Railway – Butterley, and with its historical connection to Westhouses, the name “WEST SHED” was chosen. Notably, the building was constructed entirely from the Trust’s own financial resources—without any external funding.
Development and Expansion
Since its completion, WEST SHED site has continued to evolve.
In 1997, the yard received a tarmac surface.
In 1998, a decorative wall featuring armorial devices was added.
Work on the 21-inch gauge track began in 2001 and continues as time and materials allow.
In 2002, an external ash pit was constructed, enabling the Trust’s locomotives to ash out and be oiled within their own premises.
The rail lines leading into the shed were numbered 2 to 6, leaving No. 1 Road available for future expansion. A turnout was also added to the arrival road to feed this new line.
A Home for Quality Engineering
WEST SHED was built to an exceptionally high standard, based on the belief that quality facilities produce quality engineering. With this asset complete, the Trust gained the ability to continue restoration work productively throughout the winter months in warm and dry conditions.
An extension to the building was completed in 2006, further enhancing the Trust’s ability to care for and preserve its growing collection.
History & Achievements
Summary of Achievements
1994–1996 – Construction of WEST SHED and its establishment as a Registered Museum in 1998, under the scheme administered by the Museums & Galleries Commission.
1996–1998 – Restoration of locomotive 80098 to full working order.
1998–2001 – Acquisition and restoration of locomotive No. 6233 DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND to operational condition.
1998–2000 – Restoration of the 21-inch gauge locomotive No. 46203 PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE along with one passenger coach.
2001–2002 – Acquisition and overhaul of LMS Saloon 6320.
2002 – Formation of a Patrons Club (later renamed ‘Friends of the Duchess’), which quickly grew to over 200 members.
June 2002 – DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND hauls The Royal Train, marking a historic milestone for the Trust.
2005–2016 – Acquisition and external renovation of Royal Special Saloon 45000.
2005 – Completion of WEST SHED Extension Project, enhancing the Trust’s engineering and display facilities.
March 2005 – DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND again hauls The Royal Train, continuing its prestigious service.
2008 – WEST SHED achieves Accredited Museum status, an advancement of the previous Museum Registration scheme, administered by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
2009 – Completion of the conservation and restoration of the L&Y Dynamometer Car 45050, an important piece of early 20th-century railway engineering.
November 2010 – January 2012 – Successful General Overhaul of DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND.
2012 – WEST SHED is once again recognised as an Accredited Museum, under the scheme now administered by Arts Council England.
October 2016 – The Museum is re-accredited, demonstrating the Trust’s ongoing commitment to maintaining professional standards in preservation and public engagement.
2016–2026 – Overhaul of 6233 DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND, overhaul of BR Std 4 Tank 80080, solar panels fitted to West Shed roof following a successful application for a MEND grant, EMR Community Fund Grant for Terminus Park.
Awards & Recognition
The John Coiley Award (Highly Commended) - Heritage Railway Association, 2001 Awarded for the quality of restoration of locomotive DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND.
The Peter Manisty Award for Excellence in Railway Preservation – Heritage Railway Association Awarded for hauling The Royal Train during Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
Caring for Collections Award, 2009 – Derbyshire Renaissance Heritage Awards Recognising the conservation of the 1912 LMS Dynamometer Car.
Carriage and Wagon Competition, 2010 – Heritage Railway Association Awarded for the continued excellence in conservation of the 1912 LMS Dynamometer Car.
Best Volunteer Project, 2014 – Derbyshire Heritage Awards For the project “Saloon 45000 and Churchill’s D-Day Train.”
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