The ‘Ajax’ Appeal – Bring a Chatham Steam Engine Back to Life
The ‘Ajax’ Appeal – Bring a Chatham Steam Engine Back to Life
The Story of ‘Ajax’
Built in 1941 by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn Ltd, ‘Ajax’ was delivered new to Chatham Dockyard, where she served for decades.
During Admiralty ownership, the locomotive carried Yard No. 361 and became a familiar and hardworking presence within the Dockyard’s extensive railway system.
In 1972, when the Admiralty disposed of its remaining steam locomotives at Chatham, ‘Ajax’ was the exception and continued to be kept in working order and operated right up until the Dockyard’s closure in 1984.
From Industry to Preservation
After the closure of the Dockyard, ‘Ajax’ was placed into secure storage before returning to life with the opening of The Historic Dockyard Chatham in 1985.
At its peak, the Dockyard had around 17 miles of railway track. Today, less than 1 mile remains, making ‘Ajax’ an even more vital link to this rich industrial heritage.
Our Mission
We are now raising £100,000 to restore ‘Ajax’ and bring her back into full working order once again.
This restoration will:
- Allow future generations to experience a working Dockyard locomotive
- Preserve an important piece of British industrial history
- Keep steam heritage alive in Chatham
How You Can Help
Your support will help return ‘Ajax’ to steam and ensure she continues to tell the story of Chatham’s railway heritage.
Every donation, large or small, brings us closer to hearing her whistle once more.
Your contribution will put the pride of Chatham back on the tracks. Join us in restoring this powerhouse and ensuring that the roar of a Dockyard steam engine remains a living, breathing part of our landscape. Donate today and help us return ‘Ajax’ to her rightful place on the rails.
Other ways to show your support
We are proud that we generate significant income from our operations and trading functions but we do require funding to enable us to manage our huge maintenance burden and maintain excellence in all the museum and learning services we provide.
There are a number of ways in which you can support us:
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