Holden F5

The Holden F5 Steam Locomotive Trust is a heritage railway organisation formed in 2003 to recreate GER 789, a Great Eastern Railway M15r locomotive later classified as an LNER F5. Designed by James Holden, the class served across East London and East Anglia, including on the Epping to Ongar branch, where locomotives worked push-pull services until 1957. The Trust is recreating one of two engines fitted with distinctive F6-style cabs.

The project combines original drawings with modern engineering and aims to produce a locomotive suitable for many heritage railways. Construction has progressed to include the frames, cylinder block, smokebox, chimney and machined wheels; the frames have been assembled at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham. The Trust welcomes public support to continue the build. Ways to get involved include sponsoring a component, becoming a member, considering a legacy gift, purchasing merchandise or booking a talk. The website also shares project news, the locomotive’s history, photographs and information about the team, alongside contact details and links to railway organisations.