FUND RAISING
Due to the generosity of the Sponsors mentioned on another page of this WEB site, List of Sponsors we were able to keep going throughout the project without running into funding problems. We have recently received another generous contribution that will cover the Display aspects of our machine at Bletchley Park. This is now well underway with many display panels already in place around the machine. The Bletchley Park Trust have also extended their displays to tell a full 'Enigma to Ultra' display. However further funding is is still essential in the long run for maintenance and repair. We have some essential spares but not a full compliment and this will need to be tackled if the machine is to be run regularly in the future.
ONGOING STRATEGY
Our original strategy was to raise significant funding from a small number of major sponsors. Over the years, we were not very successful with this approach but instead we were very successful in raising sufficient funds to keep moving forward without any delay to the programme from numerous smaller donations. This together with generous help from companies and individuals kept us moving forward resulting in the completion of a fully working machine.
AUTHENTICITY
Our general approach with this rebuild is to make it as close to the original as is realistically possible but at the same time we are fully aware that total conformity cannot always be achieved. Changes to items such as the heavy horizontal bars were all taken on their merits and in the case of the bars we chose a small deviation. The original cost estimate for all four finished bars was over £12,000. Using metric precision stock bar and substituting dowels for rebates, plus making our own jig and using our own effort has reduced this to less that £1000. This was perhaps our most significant deviation because as the work progressed we became more able to conform fully to the original parts drawings. We now claim the machine to be around 99% correct to drawing. Were there are deviations this is documented and will be put on record.
PEOPLE
During the earlier construction phases, we were rather short of 'hands on' help and we would very much liked more. However over the years our number grew considerably and the list of people actively involved passed sixty. However, we can still use more help in certain areas. We would like to hear from anybody who would like to be trained as an operator and/or a maintenance engineer. Ideally a candidate would live within realistic distance of Bletchley and would be available at weekends to help with demonstrations.
If you can help please contact the project at