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There are various connections between
Rotary and the railways (railroads). On another page on our
website, Rtn Sir
Nigel Gresley, the designer of the world's fastest steam locomotive, is
featured. Here is another link.
86-615
 Class 86s are 3600hp electric
locomotives and were introduced to the UK railway network in the 1960s. Although
originally designed to haul express trains at higher speeds, they now have a
maximum running speed of 75 mph in freight service and weigh 80 tonnes.
When working in pairs they are able to haul 1800 tonne trailing weights.
86615 was originally named Rotary
International in June 1984 by the then world president of Rotary International
Carlos Canseco. The ceremony marked the twinning of British Rail to Rotary
International. On February 25, 2002, 86615 was rededicated to Rotary
International at a ceremony at Ipswich train station, by David Liddiatt,
then President of Rotary International in
Britain and Ireland.
The locomotive was freshly repainted in a new green and yellow Freightliner
livery. At the same time as the locomotive was repainted the nameplates
were refurbished and reapplied to it.
At the short ceremony, David Liddiatt,
said: 'Freightliner's agreement to keep 86615 as 'Rotary International' is
a symbol of the company's commitment to improving relationships
with business and customers and to the Government's stated aim of getting
more freight on to rail.' At the same time, Freightliner's director of
strategy, Robert Goundry, stated:
"The rededication of the newly
refurbished nameplates to the freshly painted locomotive is an acknowledgement
of the continuing relationship between rail freight and industry at
large as well as the good work undertaken by Rotary members to raise
money for charities at local, national and international levels."
By asking for its name to be kept on a
freight locomotive, Rotary International is demonstrating its
commitment to increasing the amount of freight going by rail and the
environmental and congestion benefits which go hand in hand with this,' said Alan
Peats, chairman of the Rail Freight Group and president of the Rotary Club
Felixstowe and Landguard.
During 2005 the locomotive was damaged
by fire and was subsequently put into store in Crewe, marked 'For
sale'. Efforts are now being made to rescue the nameplates and display one in
the RIBI offices.
 W.J.
BASSETT-LOWKE 1877-1953
Among British modellers, the name of WJ Bassett Lowke
stands out for the quality of the ships and locomotives produced
by his company. He is perhaps best known for the magnificent
narrow gauge steam engines, three of which are now at the
Ravenglass and Eskdale railway, albeit re-built. He is also
known for his house in Northampton, at 78 Derngate, a listed
building open to the public. This was created by the German
architect Peter Behrens with interior work by Charles Rennie
Macintosh. Bassett Lowke was born and lived all his life in
Northampton, and took a keen interest in the town and its many
activities. It is not surprising therefore to find that he was
also one of the founders of the Northampton Rotary Club and the
Club President in 1934-1935..
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