North Norfolk Railway buys Black Prince

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/north_norfolk_railway_buys_star_locomotive_the_black_prince_1_4259874

David R

 

Great news. A handsome and popular loco. The home stable now looks very healthy (assuming that the B12 isn't badly bent)

 

Part of an ongoing trend for railways to secure their position by buying more engines but the North Norfolk is the last line you'd have thought is in need of two 2-10-0s and their attendant coal and maintenance bills!

 

I read that David Shepherd was looking for a home where he could be confident that the loco would be looked after in perpetuity and that would be more important than the price achieved. He has seen the NNR look after the loco for many years now and I suspect the NNR may have got the loco for a good price as she will be loved and cared for. The stable looks very different from when I went there as a child and they were running 'Pony' 'John D Hammer' 'Harlaxton' 'Colwyn' ' Ring Haw' and was there one called 'Edmundson' or am I dreaming that? Anyway they were all industrials and some pretty small. The B12 was just a rusting pipe-dream in platform 2 or 3 (possibly both at different times) and I always seemed to miss the J15.

 

Any chance of seeing this one on the mainline? Well as far as Cromer any way?!

 

none whatsoever I would imagine. do to the checkrail issues.

 

Coal bill being a bit higher I can see but would the maintenance on a 2-10-0 that is just plodding about, not really being taxed so not wearing out so much, be more than a smaller loco that is being worked harder and therefore wearing out more?

I don't know, it's just a thought that crossed my mind.

I'm just glad that it has a secure future and strengthens (in more than one way) the NNR home fleet.

 

deleted

 

while I understand the problem with a 9f on the mainline is this factual ,or has it actually been tried,or is this a problem on paper?
any answers much appreciated.

 

2 at Cromer (both AFAIK old bullhead rail)

 

The attached page is taken from an Eastern Region working timetable in 1959. As you can see, there were restrictions for 9Fs even then.

 

Interesting. So the question 'where can a 9F run?' has always been in the background. Definitely a horse for a certain course.

 

Just to be clear, it is the NNR that has acquired Black Prince, not the M&GN Society?

 

Yes, the North Norfolk Railway.

 

Has there been an increase in check rails in the last 30 years?
Evening Star (AFAIK) steamed itself to Shildon in 1975 and hauled main line excursions in the early 1980's. The problem has arisen since then.

 

Obviously!

 

From a purely personal point, I would be interested in seeing further pages relating to route availability of locos, especially non-LNER ones. Am I correct in thinking there is a list provided and would it be possible to either publish it or PM me with it? Thanks.

 

IIRC hey also own Ring Haw, class 25, Class 101 DMU and a W&M railbus out on hire possibly shunters also. Whereas B12/3, Y14/J15, WD 2-10-0, Wissington, class 31 and an 03 are M&GN JRS. All other locos are, I think, privately owned

 

I believe it is because some modern pointwork now has raised checkrails (before they were always the ame height as the running rail and tehre is concer that the unflanged wheel may ride up and result in a de-railment.

David R

 

I very much enjoyed seeing this loco when it was resident at the GWSR but I'm pleased that it will be in the care of the NNR for the future (I cannot believe that I have not visited the NNR yet!) . It is a very impressive and well liked loco in my opinion. I suppose I'll always have a soft spot for 92203 as I was invited onto the footplate at Winchcombe during the 2008 GWSR Gala and, later stood close to the spot where this photo was taken at Toddington by someone whose camera was better and eyes less moist than mine.



It really doesn't get much better than this you know.