Save RTV 31 - Britain's 1970s Hovertrain

RTV 31, Britain's hovertrain from the 1970s is at serious risk of being lost forever.

Research Test Vehicle 31 is the prototype tracked hovercraft (hovertrain) that pioneers in the field of science and engineering developed between 1967 - 1973.

50 years ago, Britain had dreams of high-speed land transport - Tracked Hovercraft Ltd built and tested a full-scale prototype and achieved speeds in excess of 100mph in the Fens between Sutton and Earith, Cambridgeshire.

The dream came to a shuddering halt in 1973 however, when the government withdrew its financial backing ahead of the 2nd phase of testing which would have seen them push for speeds up to 300mph. The project was abandoned almost overnight and the test site broken down and removed in 1975.

RTV 31 was dumped amongst caravans at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire before being rediscovered 20 years later and saved from scrap by THL staff and volunteers at Railworld Wildlife Haven, Peterborough who collectively raised £10,000 for the cause.

The hovertrain has resided at Railworld ever since, displayed proudly on one of the original concrete track beams but decades of being exposed to the elements have left her in bad shape and a recent structural survey of the concrete beam declares it "life expired".

RTV 31 must come down - whether it comes down in one piece or is torn apart for scrap depends on Railworld's ability to raise £30,000+ to cover the cost of specialist lifting equipment, vehicle structural accommodations and insurance in case the unthinkable happens during lifting.

Peterborough will lose a local landmark clearly visible from the mainline railway - the effects of which will be particularly and severely felt by Railworld due to it being a popular tourist attraction.

The people of the Fens will lose a unique and irreplaceable piece of their heritage.

The monument exists as testament, not only to the passion and devotion of 100s of THL staff but also to the volunteers that came together to save it in 1996. This is their legacy - if RTV 31 disappears, who will remember them, the Hovertrain and the story in 50 years from now?!

If the hovertrain can be brought down in one piece (or as intact as possible) further efforts will be made to house, preserve and aesthetically restore her.

Railworld has about 6 months before an irreversible decision will be made - please help to save this behemoth of the 1970s!

Please note:

Railworld Wildlife Haven is a registered charity and will receive all raised funds directly from GoFundMe.

This crowdfunder is not associated with the planned documentary about RTV 31 which has a separate campaign running.