MHR Restorations and Overhauls

The M.H.R. has just the thing already. A 2MT. Most lines would be (or, rather, should be) jealous.

PH

 

An Ivatt hauling a few four wheelers isn't desperately authentic though!

While I applaud the MHR for wishing to restore these coaches, there does seem to be something of a mismatch with the prevailing 1950s atmosphere and large-engine policy on the rest of the line.

Tom

 

But how much would pairing such a loco with a train of 4 wheelers be actual 'preservation'? (or matching an S15, even in LSWR condition, with them actually for that matter?)

If enough people think 'wouldn't it be nice' to pay to make it happen, then it has become practical! A 2-4-0 would be more economical on a light load than say a Bulleid Pacific - although how practical such a loco might be on the Mid-Hants, I will leave to those more experienced than I to comment!

Steven

 

in that case an ivatt could do it just as well on the island but then its one rule for the IOWSR , Another for everyone else isnt it?

 

Hardly more of a mismatch than a tender first 4-4-2 heading 5 Mk.1s on a 25mph branch line.

PH

 

What exactly is the point of your comment? The Mid-Hants (which is the subject of this thread) is a newcomer to this sort of project but they appear to be making a determined effort and good luck to them. When the vehicles are ready for use, which is likely to be some time off, they just happen to have the appropriate size of machine to haul them. A 45XX would be similarly right sized.

PH

 

my point

MY point is that for the times when they run it, it would look better if something that looked right was hauling it, as very little survives engine wise from that era except for maybe a terrier a replica adams jubilee could fill in in freight and i imagine would be a very useful hire engine paint it Southern 1930's green, it would look at home behind the bluebell's maunsell coaches

 

Still excessively WIBN for me.

PH

 

Well said that man.
Chris.

 

Better read post 3946

 

Sorry to say this but most of the general public won't care what's at the front of a rake of four wheeled coaches has long has it's a steam loco. I'm sure 30925 41312 or 80150 would find their way on to the front of these coaches at some point in the future.

 

Don't understand your point - the IoWSR does use an Ivatt???

 

but would they use it on the vintage rake ?

 

no , light engine at all times

 

Yes Martin we do, mind you both of our rakes are vintage.

 

If a vintage rake with some LSWR vehicles was constructed surely the best candidate for 'authentic' traction would be if 488 were to return to service one day and could put in an appearance?

Chris

 

By the sounds of it, 488 needs so much replacing that it might be kinder to just leave her be and build a new one!

As regards coaches, personally I am an advocate of Stephen Middleton's policy of "pragmatic restoration". If it is a choice between making a few small compromises on historical authenticity, or leaving the vehicle rotting in a siding, I know which one I'd go for.

I think the MHR should be applauded for taking on these coach bodies, and I think that, in time, they will be a real asset to the railway. They will not just expand the railway's appeal to enthusiasts. The fact that they allow the railway to better tell the story of railways in an earlier period will be really valuable for their educational offer. (It is a little known fact but I was once, briefly, a volunteer with the MHR's education department. I remember working with more than one school group who were learning about railways in a Victorian context. So being able to offer them a train of genuine Victorian coaches would be fantastic!). They also open up the potential for new special events (Victorian weekend, anyone?), and could help attract more filming work.

As for a loco to haul them - well, yes, a new T1 or Jubilee would be nice. (The former would also certainly be an authentic choice for the MHR - I'm not sure about the latter.) At the end of the day, it's up to the people who want it to turn talk into action, and money. Anything is possible if you have money!

Personally, though, it's a question I wouldn't even think about until the coaches are all restored.

 

There are place corners can be cut and places they can't! I know this because Stephen has used me to rescue some of his worst basket cases.

Structural integrity should never be compromised for vehicles which carry passengers!

Sawdust.

 

Isnt there a terrier that was once owned by the LSWR? cant quite remember which one, but yes a proper vintage train would be a good move, along with the bullied coaches, so that opens up the possibility of 925 working a rake that match her currant identity, and yes an authentic pre grouping Southern engine even if only hired would complete the picture, how many4 wheels could a Beattie well tank manage, along with a tank wagon as additional water carrier to fill the well tank at station stops

 

There were two - 46 (Newington) became LSWR 734 and is now preserved as W8 "Freshwater" on the Isle of Wight. 68 (Clapham) became LSWR 735 and was scrapped in 1936. At least one of them (can't remember which without looking it up) even got a replacement boiler with Drummond-pattern safety valves on top of the dome.

As for load limit: on the Bluebell we allow 70 tons for a P class between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, which would be equivalent to about 6 four wheelers; and 85 tons (equivalent to seven four wheelers) for a Terrier; and our ruling gradient is a bit steeper than on the MHR. At least in pure Tractive Effort terms, a Beattie Well tank is considerably punchier than either of the former, though with somewhat limited water capacity.

Tom