Replica builds for heritage lines.

I'm

If only we could fund a new monobloc for Green Arrow.....

 

Seriously though what exactly are the differences in operating costs between - say a Standard 4 & a rebuilt WC/BofB?

The Mid Hants seems to think that bigger locos are more economical on their line

 

How about one of the Sturrock 0-6-0s with a steam tender? Can be a class 4 with the tender turned on and a class 2 with it turned off which meets the need for locos of different sizes for differnet weight trains. Would also be very useful for filming contracts. There is a 5" gauge one about which runs very well and is capable of pulling substantial loads. The live steam connection to the tender is very interesting. In fact when that is complete you could build some of the other locos John has constructed which include a Mallet 2-4-0T 2 cylinder compound, a Mallet 0-4-4-0T, a Webb 2-2-4-0T and a replica of Invicta. All much more interesting than most of what has been proposed on here.

 

Me like.

Lots!

 

Isaiah 6:1 and 4, Kings James Version?

Steven

 

@RLinkinS The Sturrock concept occured to me too. It didn't work out too well for Archie and La'al Ratty had little more success with the original 4-6-0+0-6-4 'River Mite' or with 'River Esk' (although that one did provide many components for the current 'River Mite' - so not a complete waste of effort).

With the work done on high pressure flexible steam connections both over the pond on humongous American Mallets and more recently by Blodge, a full design workup, using modern computer technology would be a neccessary preliminary and a fascinating exercise in it's own right. Who knows? Perhaps it might be a workable idea by now? It'd certainly tick the "Something Different" box!

 

We've just managed to get off that subject, don't bring it up again!

 

Wasn't that essentially the logic behind the LNER "Large Engine" philosophy? That a large engine worked lightly is more economical than a small engine at the limits or worse still, double-heading?

 

No idea. If so, fine, let's all have big chuffers on preserved railways!

 

Given the NRM now have a spare Sturrock tender (from behind no.1) maybe a Sturrock new build isn’t a bad idea at all - but very doable if an interesting type could be agreed on and funded. It would be a pretty authentic new build - 50% original!

 

I think, given the title of this thread, PH's point (the original one) is quite valid:
For Heritage/Preserved/Tourist railway use, locos in the Class 2 - Class 5 bracket are more than adequate for almost all lines and services.
Where larger locos are needed/justified, fair enough, but we have lots of them! We don't need any new build/replicas in this category.
We're not talking main line on this thread, so new Pacifics, etc., are certainly not appropriate.
What I (and I think PH, and others) are trying point to is that, if we are going to recreate some new classes, let them be the most useful size, and also recreating something missing.
I've aired my views on the most glaring gaps repeatedly, so won't reiterate here.
But surely even those who defend the use of Bulleid pacifics or 2-10-0s for heritage line use, on the basis that they are available, don't think they are *more useful* than a Class 3 or 4 tank?
And surely, while even PH concedes that e.g. the NYMR does need larger locos, no one is saying that e.g. a Class 3 or 4 tank would be of no use there...?!?!!

(Ahem, Johnson 0-4-4T, please!)

 

In case anyone hasn't yet read my views on the subject:
http://www.national-preservation.com/index.php?posts/1909979

 

The GSWR Baltics were very costly to maintain.

 

Got to say - I think this is pretty beautiful! No working 2-4-0s for GNR - not sure any other 2-4-0s for the GNR are preserved? There's definitely a GER one and an NER one though.

 

I would also love to see a Johnson 0-4-4T!! Fitted with push pull and a LMS push pull to go with it.

But on the other subject I really am getting fed up with this obsession about being really useful. Has someone been watching Thomas the tank and taken the fat controllers comments too seriously?!? We are a bunch of railway enthusiasts who are wishing to have a variety of locos to enjoy the sights and sounds of. If we just stick to all class 4 tanks etc we would surely be depriving all generations from seeing these fantastic locos out working. No B12 at the NNR as it would be too big I'm guessing. And as we're now in the situation of having no variety of locos that would pretty much put an end to steam galas as we know them. Meaning a lack of interest in the hobby and possibly less money from the people who actually support them (Joe public keep them going but it's the enthusiasts who actually pay for the overhaul of locos and extensions and new buildings etc). What a boring hobby this would be. Long live the variety and fun.

 

Please read my post again!
I did carefully say this about new builds - which will only ever be a small proportion of what we have running.
No one is suggesting not running, or restoring, or using, the other locos. I love the B12! But we have ended up with more by express locos than can be used on main line services, lots of big freight locos, and not enough medium power tank locos.
Even within the latter category, there are lots of interesting new build options from various railways and eras which would be much more useful than (say) a Great Bear, Thompson Pacific, Big Bertha, B17, unrebuilt Royal Scot or whatever big chuffer new build might be suggested. And tanks much better suited to our uses than (e.g.) a 2P or Dunalastair (much as I would the latter).

 

+1
(Although I like the idea of a Sturrock loco with a steam tender even more)
It is nice that Peterborough honours more than just Gresley around the town: Ivatt, Stirling and yes, Sturrock all get a street named after them.

 

Needless to say I agree with this umpteen times over!

Perhaps the notorious lococentricity of the gricer fraternity is to blame for this situation. There is more to a steam railway than locomotives alone but, hopefully, the forthcoming Channel 4 series on carriage restoration may bring about a wider view.

Paul H

 

Why must someone be to blame? What exactly is the glaringly obvious problem that most (gricers?) on here seem to be missing? The heritage steam loco scene has grown in an organic way from the contributions of thousands(?) of people over many decades. The scene is what it is - and, it has been, still is, and more than likely to keep being, overwhelmingly appreciated by uncountable hordes.