The Titanic Boat Train Heritage Trust' (registered charity no. 1200731) has acquired two historic railway carriages, built in the early 1900's for the London & South Western Railway. These dining carriages are the last of their type and there is a strong possibility they would have been part of the set that carried RMS Titanic's passengers from Waterloo Station, in London, to Southampton Docks on the morning of 10th April 1912, and for many, to their tragic death just five days later...
Currently languishing in a siding at Pontypool & Blaenavon Historic Railway in South Wales, the carriages have been strengthened and prepared by volunteers, for their journey back to Hampshire for restoration. The next stage of the project needs YOUR help!
Following the wonderful news of our charitable status being granted recently, it is now time to launch the second stage of our fundraising campaign.
During the course of the summer, volunteer parties have been visiting the carriages, clearing & cleaning them out and strengthening them internally, in preparation for transportation back to Hampshire so restoration work can begin. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who generously donated, for the purchase of the materials needed to complete this vital Stage 1.
For transportation and to protect the carriages from further deterioration, we desperately need new tarpaulins. At £3,500 each, these large tarpaulins will serve the carriages for many years to come and as well as bearing our logos, will offer prospective sponsors the opportunity to advertise their support. (Please contact us for more details)
Added to the cost of the tarpaulins, transportation will add another £4,000 to our much-needed target for Stage 2. So your support is vitally needed.
Once restored, the carriages will form part of a recreated 'RMS Titanic Boat Train Special' train that can be enjoyed by everyone at historic railways around Great Britain, telling the story of the world's most famous ship and the journey her passengers undertook.
Our plans include the opportunity for apprenticeship schemes within the restoration project, as well as attracting volunteers to work on the carriages, once they have been transported back to Hampshire for the restoration work to begin.
An application for Heritage Lottery Funding is also being prepared and monies raised here will go towards the necessary matched funding.
This is undoubtedly, one of the premier Titanic-related projects in the world today and once completed, will attract visitors from around the globe; such is the fascination with the Titanic story. We would love you to be a part of it!
We're also looking for volunteers & craftsmen. If you would like to be involved, please contact us at: info@titanicboattrainheritagetrust.org
For more information on the full history of the carriages and Titanic, please visit our website at: Titanic Boat Train Heritage Trust
THANKYOU!!
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