Update on the sale of 7¼" gauge King James I

Announcement by the Elmdon Model Engineering Society (EMES) team at Transport Museum Wythall

It is with great pleasure that we can announce the sale of 7¼" gauge GWR King Class locomotive King James I following a closed auction. The sale of Dennis Herbert’s locomotive has raised £40,000, every penny of which is being donated to Alzheimer's Research in memory of Dennis’s wife and several of his colleagues who also succumbed to Alzheimer’s.

The locomotive raised a significant amount of interest (much of it through media activity – with thanks) but only a small number of the closed bids were considered seriously and not just from a monetary perspective. Dennis was very keen to ensure that the locomotive would raise a significant amount for charity but also that it was going to a good home where it would be both used and cherished, not stuffed and mounted. After a nine year build programme resulting in this magnificent scale rendition of a GWR King, its future home and its operation were considered important matters in the bidding process.

EMES is pleased to announce that the bidder, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a member of the society, ensuring that the loco will remain in running condition on the EMES miniature railway in memory of Dennis and his long standing support of the society across the decades.

Reece Greenstreet, Chairman of EMES, said: ‘We are delighted that the new owner is in our midst. The auction has raised a significant amount for Alzheimer’s Research, Dennis’s wish throughout the process, but the result means that we can all see and ride behind this majestic machine for years to come. Dennis has always been a huge influence on the railway, encouraging and mentoring our members, young and old, in the art of miniature engineering. His legacy will live on in both the locomotive and his unstinting contribution to the society’.