Full steam ahead for multi-million pound project to bring P2 Mikado back to life

A multi-million pound project has been launched to bring one of Britain's most powerful passenger steam locomotives back to life.

A team of engineers in the North East are working on an improved version of the P2 Mikado.

The original drawings by the man behind The Flying Scotsman are being used to help.

Only six Mikados were ever built in Doncaster in the 1930s before being rebuilt and scrapped in 1961 - before being scrapped.

Mark Allat, chairman of A1 Steam Locomotive said the Mikado was unlike any other steam loco.

The 2007 Prince of Wales will cost five million pounds to build paid for by donations.

But this team are used to fundraising. In 2009 they completed the build of another mainline loco - the Tornado.

Much of the metalwork is from Middlesborough - while assembly is taking place at the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust in Darlington.

The design was the work of Sir Nigel Gresley, perhaps better known for his Flying Scotsman.

It's hoped that by 2021 - the P2 Mikado will deliver it's full potential.