Next NRM restoration and other questions?

The thing about the likes of 70013, 850 925 etc, is they are able to be kept as working members of the National collection because their restoration and operation meets a NRM criteria but has no cost base to the NRM, it has to be remembered that the NRM does not have a restoration budget to keep any engine in working condition, every loco returned to steam had been funded by donations,and by bodies that are trusted to take good care of what is only on loan to them, if it wasnt for these people raising funds, there would be no active NRM loco other than maybe the rocket replical .

 

Absolutely, keeping an NRM loco running as part of a "core" fleet at a heritage railway (as opposed to a loco that is only steamed on special occasions) means a lot of people get to see them in action and ride behind them. We are lucky on the MHR to have had both 850 and 925 running in recent times. We have also had visits from many other NRM locos, including several by 30120, we had the LMS Crab last year for a gala. Good for the National collection and good for the Heritage movement. As long as the NRM are happy that their aims are not compromised by externally financed and conducted overhauls to keep stock running, it is a "win-win" situation.

 

I think that the Crab in question, No. 13065, is owned by the East Lancs Railway. The NRM Crab is No. 13000 which hasn't steamed for many years and, I believe Anthony Coulls may have said this, it is reputed to have the worst boiler in the entire NRM Collection barring Furness No. 3 Coppernob.

 

Surely the condition of Rocket's boiler leaves a lot to be desired as well!

Tom

 

Quite right, apologies, I am more au fait with the Southern representatives of the NRM!
We have had City of Truro on an extended visit a few years back though, and others over the years. I believe some of the NRM's diesels are expected to visit the MHR next October too!

 

35029 is surely going to trump all of the others.

 

Drop of T-Cut and she'll be grand...


Keith

 

Of course - oversight on my part here!

 

I realise it is pure whimsy, but I've often wondered whether 35029 - which is to all intents and purposes a complete loco except for boiler, one cylinder and some relatively superficial platework - might actually prove rather easier to restore to running condition than several of the other notionally preserved Merchant Navies!

Tom

 

Just my opinion, but I think 35029 is one of the NRM's best exhibits, especially when it's "in motion". It brings to life the internal workings of a steam locomotive, and it grabs the visitor's attention in a way that other exhibits can't.

 

I've used the quote before, said by the late John Bellwood but it was with regard to the whole loco. Anthony may also have said the same statement.

Then the Crabs must be bad, if Rocket's is in better condition!