Railway enthusiasts are appealing for help to save a famous steam locomotive built at Crewe 91 years ago, which set the record for the fastest journey between London and Scotland.

Princess Elizabeth, named after the late queen when she was still a schoolgirl, suffered a major boiler failure just hours before pulling the luxury Northern Belle train in July 2021.

Now a £165,000 appeal has been launched to pay for a major overhaul in a bid to get the record-breaking engine back on track next year.

Princess Elizabeth, named after the ex-Queen when she was still a schoolgirl, suffered a major boiler failure just hours before pulling the luxury Northern Belle train in July 2021 (Wiki Commons).

But, chairman of the Princess Elizabeth Society, Clive Mojonnier, has warned that the final bill could be nearer half a million pounds.

He said: "We have already removed her boiler to investigate but we won't know the full situation until after the overhaul.

"Whatever the cost, it will be worth it because Lizzie is not just a locomotive, she is part of our nation's heritage."

Built originally for the old London, Midland and Scottish Region and costing just £11,685, Princess Elizabeth still holds the record for the fastest non-stop steam journey between London and Glasgow.

She was renumbered 46201 when the railways were nationalised in 1948, and was based at Crewe North shed for two periods during the 1940s and 1950s.

A £165,000 appeal has been launched to pay for a major overhaul in a bid to get the Princess Elizabeth back on track next year (Princess Elizabeth Locomotive Society).

Lizzie was withdrawn from service in 1962 after British Rail began turning to diesel locomotives and was destined for the scrapyard before a group of enthusiasts bought her for £2,160 to save her from being turned into pots and pans.

The locomotive later played a major role in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, before pulling the Royal Train carrying the Queen and Prince Philip.

And she became a firm favourite with passengers on the Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express group, as she travelled over the spectacular Settle-Carlisle line.

Actor, Bill Nighy, raved over the train when it featured on Channel 5's "The World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys" programme. 

Northern Belle steam trips from Crewe next month and in June, July and October will be hauled over the route by former Souther Region steam locomotive Tangmere. 

Actor, Bill Nighy, raved over the Princess Elizabeth when it featured on Channel 5's

There will also be journeys to various other destinations, including Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot in June, with fares starting at £295 

For more details about Princess Elizabeth Society and to donate to the appeal, CLICK HERE.

READ MORE: Famous olympian to visit Crewe and Nantwich Gymnastics Club this March.

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