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.

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..
 

Magnus Volks 1851-1937