Ideas for the Main Line

There has been a lot of discussion following on from the suspension of WCRC about the future of main line steam, but what about the locomotives?

At the moment - and I realise for perfectly good reasons the main line fleet is a collection of modern large Pacifics and 4-6-0's, with the exception of an 8F & the Tysley Panniers.

In the past however we have had amongst other things, Hardwicke, City of Truro, 1000, the Ivatt Atlantics and a 14xx.

In the same way that Steam Railway ran an appeal to restore City of Truro, what about launching an appeal to get something different back on the main line? Clearly this may well have to include help with the operating costs but it would be nice to have some variety.

My preference would be a 4 coupled loco of some sort - Morayshire or a Schools? either that or the B12.

 

B12 for me. I think most things could run mainline I mean if A pair of Panniers and a Railmotor can go mainline you could make a case for almost anything within reason. Be nice to see a Standard 4 tank mainline again, on somthing like say Birmingham Shrewsbury maybe. In an ideal world could maybe the SVR and VT get there heads together and we could have a little pool for the Shakespeares? Anyone for 43106 rocking up at Stratford one day?

 

Drummond T9 please



Picture Source: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uX05ROqj12w/maxresdefault.jpg

 

Oooh lovely!

 

Just thinking, whilst I agree with Johns original question and I've given my own opinion, is it worth flipping this thread and asking 'why are we lucky enough to have as many mainline locos as we have?'

 

Yon Drummond T9.................handsome, very handsome.

 

Already done that back in the 80s and the B12 did Steam on the Met. We've seen the B1 out and about on smaller loads to avoid the need for diesel. I wonder what the load would have to be to avoid an even smaller loco being shoved around all day.

 

Repton has been on the main line, handling the NYMR's occasional Whitby to Battersby runs, and very enjoyable it was too! I'd assume (always dangerous I know) that she'll be registered for the EVL once her overhaul is complete, while it might not be the 'real' main line it's as close as we'll get unless someone with very deep pockets sponsors one of them.

I was on that train, happy memories. I can't believe it's almost 6 years ago!

 

Forgive my ignorance, I'm just asking, but wouldn't many of the costs of running a steam tour be fixed, whether you are running four loaded coaches behind a small 4-4-0 or eight behind a class 7 or 8? If that is the case it suggests that tours with the smaller locos would have to be appreciably more expensive.

 

unless your doing it on a repeat itinerary where you can run the tour several times in the same day, over a curcular route, and maximise your income , that way a smaller loco on a shorter set would not necessary need to be more expensive. plus it depends on the engine, for instance a schools could cope with 8 mk1s on most routes , for me , i would love to see a Maunsel Mogol back on the mainline, and of course a Schools .

 

Thnking about it, an 0-6-0?

But most of the locos suggested could do The Shakespeare Express

 

What sort of 0-6-0? Much as I'd like to see it, I dont see 69023 doing anything showing up at York anytime soon! Could you use somthing like the N2 or or a large Prarie on the Shakex's?

 

Well, I've heard it said that a Standard4 Tank is good for the ton when no ones looking or the bobby wants them out of the way

 

28xx, for some proper bank flattening.

Chris

 

The T9 would be nice, although as has been said, locos not as powerful aren't as economic on the mainline, but something 8 coupled like a 28xx would fit the bill for power and be something different. an 0-6-0 tender loco would probably be more apt than a tank loco for range etc. how about the Q1?

 

I suspect that my suggestion for a 28xx would be fairly useless- it would fall down on being limited to a fairly low speed and having poor route availability (Same as a hall?)

I can't help but think that a Std 4 tank would be a welcome addition, equally at home forwards as reverse, or the 61xx Prairie (same route availability issues as a Hall though). There has got to be a few turns on the ML where running in both directions would be preferable, and maybe the GUV water carrier could be on one end of the consist so it could have a drink whilst running forwards at least!

Out of interest, what is the likely range of a Std 4 tank? I feel sure I read somewhere that on the NYMR that the Tank version had the edge over either tender flavour in terms of haulage too?

Chris

 

Well BR used to reckon on 50gpm so with a 2000 gallon tank that's 40 miles - say 30 allowing for some reserve.

I did Llanelli - Shrewsbury with one and a Black 5 many moons ago. They did top up the bunker at one point though

 

Standard 4 tanks were popular before on the mainline but are hampered by the distances they are allowed between water stops so unless a water carrier that can be used on the move can be developed ( i dont know if the GUV can be operated whilst moving) then the pathing dificaulties will ensure very few tank engines will see much use should an owner decide to put an tank engine back on the main line

 

The NRM did seem to mention putting 2500 mainline not to long ago and using a milk tank to extend its range. Im sure the tech is there so you could use somthing like that to enable you could take water en route.