Exclusive Dapol wagons for restoration societies

A cooperation between the General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society, based at Blunsdon on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, and the Medway Queen Preservation Society (MQPS), on Gillingham Pier has resulted in a joint wagon commission to raise funds for their restoration.

A batch of OO gauge box vans from Dapol will help the restoration of locomotive 35011 General Steam Navigation, and of PS Medway Queen. The wagon design fits the MQPS theme of fictional wagons that might have been seen at Gillingham pier if there had been a rail connection, but is also relevant to the General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society. Wagons are available in two colours from either society at £12.90 per wagon plus postage.

On the river Medway and Thames Estuary the General Steam Navigation Company (GSN) worked closely with the New Medway Steam Packet Company and in 1936 acquired the New Medway Company outright, but retained the name for trading purposes.

The Medway Queen has benefitted from income generated by a series of promotional wagons, raising an estimated £12000 for the society to date. It is hoped that a joint project will reach a wider market and generate cash for both teams. Further Dunkirk commemorative vans are expected from MQPS in OO and N gauge this year.

For more details, visit the societies' websites: www.35011gsn.co.uk and www.medwayqueen.co.uk