How you can help

To preserve the past, we look to the future.

To preserve the past, we need to look to the future. In so doing we continue to pursue projects to maintain on-going aims, enhance opportunities for our volunteers, and secure a positive outlook for our collection.

45596 Bahamas
Our biggest and most costly project is the current overhaul of 45596 Bahamas, which commenced in the autumn of 2025.  The intention is for this to be completed by mid- 2027.  During the overhaul we are to add equipment to enable the working of air-braked coaching stock, thus offering greater flexibility when it comes to returning the engine to the main line network.  For this we will also require a new support coach with dual brakes, a facility not possible with our existing support coach.

All told we estimate the likely expense of the overhaul, the fitting of the air-brake equipment and the purchase of a new support coach will be in the region of £450,000.

7069 Southwick
This crane tank locomotive has been undergoing overhaul and restoration for many years.  We are now at the stage where we can consider the repair to the boiler.  The condition of this is such that the repairs are to be extensive and will include the manufacture of a new inner firebox.  An estimate of cost is in the order of £88,000

1704 Nunlow
This engine has been awaiting its periodic boiler overhaul.  While the scope of this is not too onerous, the engine now requires other major repairs.  Amongst these are the need for a new set of tyres, and a new coal bunker.  An estimate of the likely cost is £33,000

Archive store
For many years it has been realised that the arrangements for maintaining our archive have become problematic.  Recently commissioned reports on the museum’s environment raised a number of concerns.  The most pressing need was an improvement to housing the archive.  To this end a new standalone archive store has been planned, which will not only increase storage space but also allow the use of the museum office to become a library and reading room, thus improving access for research.  The cost for this building is £17,000, with additional funds required to fit it out with appropriate storage shelves and cabinets.

We are hoping to complete all these projects within the nest two to three years.

So, how can you help?
As a volunteer run charity the income needed to pursue our objectives depends on the following four major areas of revenue.

  • The hire of our locomotives to Train Operating Companies or heritage railways
  • Entrance fees to the Engine Shed museum at Ingrow
  • Sales of books, souvenirs, and other giftware
  • Donations (either cash, objects to sell on, or legacies

The hire of our locomotives is only feasible when they are operational and available.  Currently the only operational engine is the LNWR ‘Coal Tank’ 1054.

The entrance fees to our museum are varied and accommodate inclusive offers through the KWVR and our Rail Story partnership.

Our sales are dependent upon visitor to either our shop page HERE on our website, through our museum shop, or during any outreach opportunity usually at venues where our locomotives are operating.

Donations are perhaps the most simplest of all forms of revenue and are thus of great value to the wellbeing of our continued operations.

If you wish to help us in this manner then you are invited to make a single or a regular donation.  If you are a UK taxpayer your donation can be augmented by 25%, at no further cost to you if you GIFT AID your donations.

A Gift Aid Form is HERE. Please complete, save and email to: david.guest@ingrowloco.com

A donation may be made by BACS (the most cost efficient method for us).  Please use the following information:

To: The Royal Bank of Scotland, Drummond House
Name: The Bahamas Locomotive Society Ltd
Sort Code: 16-21-17
Account No: 11195727

Please add your name and ‘donation’ in the reference box to assist us in identifying the transaction.  If you wish for your donation to be used for a particular purpose, please make this clear to us by emailing: david.guest@ingrowloco.com

Alternatively, a donation may be anonymous if that is your preference, but it will not be possible to add Gift Aid in this circumstance.

Visitors to our museum have the choice of donating either:

  • ‘over the counter’ (and recorded on our shop till,
  • using our Donation Station bank card reader,
  • with cash in our donation box.

Or, you may wish to donate by using the PayPal button below.

Legacies
The receipt of legacies from supporters has become a very important method of fund raising for many charities and may amount to up to one half of a charity’s income.  We have been very fortunate to receive legacies in the past that are contributing substantially to the work underway to overhaul Bahamas now.

If you are considering a legacy as part of your will, then it is reassuring to know that donations are free of inheritance tax, thus reducing the taxable value of an estate.  Further benefits are possible and you are recommended to take advice if you consider this is an option for you. However you may wish to help – thank you.

Thank you for your support.