Our sincerest apologies, it's been a hot minute since our last update on 45132.
However, never fear as work has continued. Work on the external bodywork removing rust, welding in new sections of steel and a general tidy up of the old girls' appearance has been taking place.
During the recent Diesel Gala at the Epping and Ongar Railway, Roger took small groups of the public on guided tours of 132 and by all accounts was very successful and not forgetting the sales stand bringing in more funds for the loco (despite some pretty poor weather), a big well done there!
The team are still anxiously awaiting the return of the main generator, Roger is in contact with the contractors carrying out the work and has been told that updates and some photos "should" be supplied to us at some point.
Scrap collection (don't worry, they're not coming for 132!!) at local levels are still happening, cans, appliances and all sorts of metal is helping to add to the loco funds slowly but surely and is being processed by almost all members, be it on a small or large scale, getting something from nothing is better than getting nothing at all!
The GoFundMe project to help raise money for the main generator seems to have stalled slightly (but please don't get the wrong idea, we are truly grateful to everyone for their donations made) and we understand this, as current cost of living is at an all time high and we in no way expect you to choose between heating or eating over the loco, but even a share of the GoFundMe page, this website or our Facebook group helps to spread the message of our work and showcases how hard the team are working to get 45132 up and hauling trains again.
Fareham RailEx Model Railway Exhibition
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October 2023
45132 Preservation Society will have a sales stall at the exhibition, with a wide range of railway related items for sale, from models to mugs and most things in between.
Roger will be manning the stall along with a few other team members, so please stop by, ask questions, have a chat and show support. We all look forward to seeing you!
The venue address is:
Fareham Leisure Centre
Park Lane, Fareham
Hampshire
PO16 7JU
We are aiming to get regular updates and photos going again, but please bear with us on that.
Our Facebook group is simply "45132" and there you can find many photos and info of planned work or already completed work, it's a friendly community and very welcoming.
Our GoFundMe: https://Gofund.me/212e44e7 and again, if all you can do is share this link on social media, it still helps the cause, but if you are able to make a donation of any amount it certainly doesn't go unnoticed by Roger or the team and it means we're that much closer to getting 45132 up and running again.