Alstom is celebrating after one of its depot teams successfully completed a unique charity challenge on Wednesday 1 July, pulling a 25 tonne historic steam locomotive entirely by hand at Didcot Railway Centre.
Sixteen colleagues based at Great Western Railway’s Reading Depot pulled No. 1340 Trojan – built in 1897 – along a 250 metre stretch of track continuously for an hour. Clocking up 1,500 metres, the test of endurance raised vital funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity as the team were cheered on by visitors to the Oxfordshire railway museum.
Pulling with Purpose: The Steam Locomotive Challenge was the brainchild of Che McCarthy, Project Supply Chain Leader at Alstom.
“Hauling a 25 tonne steam locomotive by hand was a huge achievement and a brilliant day for everyone involved. We’ve brought together colleagues, partners and the public to support Variety, and that’s something we’re really proud of,” said Che.
Sixteen colleagues based at Great Western Railways Reading Depot pulled No. 1340 Trojan built in 1897 along a 250?metre stretch of track continuously for an hour. Clocking up 1,500 metres, the test of endurance raised vital funds for Variety, the Childrens Charity as the team were cheered on by colleagues, partners and visitors at the Oxfordshire railway museum.
Part of the fabric of British rail for two centuries, Alstom is the UKs leading supplier of new trains and train services with 63% of the UKs installed train fleet supported by the company. At Reading Depot, the Alstom team provide technical support and spares supply for the Class 387 fleets based there, which are operated by both Heathrow Express and Great Western Railway respectively
He added: “It started as a simple idea in the office – wondering whether we could actually move a locomotive ourselves – and quickly grew into something much bigger. In the lead up, the team trained together, building the same trust and coordination we rely on every day in the depot. That shared effort is what made it possible, and it’s even more rewarding knowing we’ve done it for such an important cause.”
Part of the fabric of British rail for two centuries, Alstom is the UK’s leading supplier of new trains and train services – with 63% of the UK’s installed train fleet supported by the company. At Reading Depot, the Alstom team provide technical support and spares supply for the Class 387 fleets based there, which are operated by both Heathrow Express and Great Western Railway respectively.
Meanwhile, built by the Avonside Enginer Company of Bristol, No. 1340 Trojan spent most of its life working on dock lines in Wales for the Great Western Railway. Retiring in 1968, the tank locomotive entered traffic – for the first time in preservation – at Didcot in 2002 and then again following an overhaul in 2021, where she remains part of the living museum’s operating fleet.
Having already smashed their £1,000 target, the Reading team are hoping their test of endurance with No. 1340 will encourage even more donations in the coming days and weeks. The event forms part of Alstom’s wider commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates, encouraging colleagues to take part in initiatives that deliver positive social impact.
“We are so grateful to Alstom for choosing to support Variety, the Children’s Charity,” said Imogen Galsworthy, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Variety, the Children’s Charity.
“It was a joy to be part of such a creative and inspiring challenge, with every penny raised helping us continue to transform more young lives across the country. Thank you Alstom!”
For over 75 years, Variety, the Children’s Charity has provided practical, life-changing support to disabled children and young people across the UK. Across the UK, 1.1 million children have a disability and over half are also coping with growing up in poverty. Variety’s programmes create positive impact for children and young people by directly improving their physical and mental health, and quality of life through their Wheelchair and Special Equipment Grants, Sunshine Coaches, Great Days Out, and Access Interns supported work experience.
Alongside Didcot Railway Centre – a volunteer-run charity and one of the UK’s leading heritage railway sites – the fundraising event was supported by Alec’s Angels, who provided specialist equipment and guidance. The squad pulling No. 1340 Trojan were further strengthened by three members of staff from Great Western Railway.
Image credit: Alstom / Ben Goodwin
