2999: Lady of Legend

But not 8 coupled. lets not get off topic our off topics... there lies madness...

Both at the same time according to RCTS. Yes, the Holcroft ends are a big improvement, but it is kinda nice to have the pure Churchward shape. Didcot is not overpopulated with pure Churchward designs.

 

I wonder to what extent our preference for the Holcroft ends is from familiarity on so many GWR and other locos. The "pure Churchward" look represented by 2999 has its own appeal as bare and unadorned (apart from the paint). It's an early application of the KISS principle, even if that had not yet been named.

 

Is that the Sturrock 0-8-0T that was similar to some built for the Vale of Neath? I believe the LCDR considered a similar design but backed out before they were built; as I recall (but I'm away from references) they had a trial with the GNR locos.

I think it's quite handsome, as it happens ...

Tom

 

[

I think it's quite handsome, as it happens ...

Tom[/QUOTE]
Ooh Tom, you are a strange one!!

 

Even the GWR eventually built an ugly duckling in the 1500 class that were at OOC.

 

RCTS sources confirm that two 0-8-0 tanks, similar to the Vale of Neath ones, were delivered by Avonside to the GNR in early 1866. The engines were intended for goods transfer work between the GNR, Metropolitan and LCDR. Soon after they began work, the Metropolitan raised complaints of damage to track and culverts, and banned the engines from its lines. The GNR then transferred them to work on marshalling trains in Kings Cross goods yard. They continued in use until 1880, when boilers were life-expired.

The LCDR also ordered two similar engines, but cancelled the order on becoming aware of the Metropolitan ban.

 

Who needs curved transitions to look good?

 

The clamour for adding curves misses the point of building a straight framed Saint.

Look at it! It’s a gorgeous bit of kit. It sits on the fence between two GWR eras.

It’s just different enough to be something new, and yet so familiar.

I’m looking forward to seeing it in the flesh. You don’t get any of those other 4-6-0s from any other railway without the Saints story. That we can all appreciate.

 

To bring things back on thread a little, I have noted before that my old man worked inside at Swindon and used to talk to (I suspect actually mainly make a nuisance of himself) with the trials drivers. He always remembers that whilst they spoke very fondly of the Castles they went all dewy eyed over their real loves, the Saints!

 

has there ever been a better 2 cyl 4-6-0 express loco in the UK?

 

My dad (now 93) fired on both types over the NW route while at Hereford Barton during the 1940s. He thought the 28xx engines much superior but made the comment that the RODs were reliable had the ability to keep on going even when low out on steam.

 

Standard Class 5?

 

is a 5MT

 

after Maunsell got hold of them

 

one of the finest pics of a Saint with square frames . I think this is the best looking version . probably c1907

 

The happy thing is it can be tested before those who like to know, are gone.
Me for one.
Lady of Legend, Hengist and a good Hall ( There is more than one I think) to go over Ais Gill with dynamometer and different number of cars and enthusiasts.
Tornado to show the natives how it shall be done.
Miles of pure joy and fun.

 

the only possible native would be the Clan .

pitting a class 8 4-6-2 against a sub class 5 4-6-0 seems a little unfair .

 

Not at all.
Relate results to mass of locomotive

 

As well as being utterly pointless.
The question you posed was:-

"has there ever been a better 2 cyl 4-6-0 express loco in the UK?"

Hermod seems incapable of differentiating between wheel arrangements or "express loco" (the Halls are mixed traffic machines).