Tyseley Single Wheeler.

Yes, I'm aware of that!
My question was whether or not Tyseley were intending to have the locomotive finished as a working item or as a static full size model. The latter would be cheaper of course.

 

Ah, sorry I must have misunderstood you! I haven't read anything to imply it's not still intended to make it steamable. I'm going on Sunday so if there's anyone there "attached" to it I shall make enquiries as to what's left to do etc.

 

Thank you. That's interesting. I understand that over 70 of these locos were built (in 3 classes) for the LNWR from 1851 and that the last one was not scrapped until around 1887, so they must have been capable locos albeit looking very primitive when compared with locos built at the turn of the 20th Century.

 

They've got the driving wheels fitted now?!? (Last time I saw it, a few years ago, it was in much the same state of completion as it had been for.... years. So to see it largely cosmetially complete is a treat).

 

And Imagine the look of sheer disbelief when the Bloomer one day couples up to Clun Castle , and pilots it on an Shakespeare's ( only joking )

 

What is the plan for 670 once complete? Use on local tours ala the Panniers? Or hire out as a roaming ambassador?

Whilst it's nice to see, and full credit to TYS for what they've achieved so far, what's the long term strategy with her?

 

I seem to recall that shuttles between Moor Street and Tyseley were mentioned.

 

Needs completing first, of course, but I could readily envisage a fair bit of film work, what with working locos representing that era being as rare as hens' teeth .... which might provide the spur needed to get some suitable surviving stock from that era off the VCT 'grounded body' list.

 

Maybe a film company or two might find a bit of cash for that.

 

Blimey. Less than six months ago people were throwing their rattles out the cot on this thread as it appeared to be abandoned forever!

 

From the re-launch leaflet:

The carriages will apparently be based on three BR brake van frames and wheelsets already acquired, with new bodies to be built at Tyseley.

It doesn't mention it in the leaflet, but I seem to recall something similar.

 

New Street to Euston would be good.

 

Usable carriages from the mid 1860's, both standard and narrow gauge, do exist.

 

Hate to say it, but it is probably a better business decision to create new old style carriages with known running gear/spares availability etc. Genuine 1860's stock would either need too much work, be too expensive or simply be too precious for everyday use. WIBN, but.....

 

I would not think the film use which @30854 was referring to is likely to be very frequent. It would just make a contribution towards the cost of maintaining stuff revived largely for historical interest.

 

For any passenger operation, continuous braking is mandatory. Retrofitting air or vacuum brake gear to authentic 1860's stock would be regarded as vandalism by many, but would be unavoidable for legal operation, unless there are a row of lowmac wagons somewhere one could put the victorian coach bodies on. with maybe a toad brake as back up... I personally would find it rather disappointing to see beautifully restored victorian carriages subjected to the ice-cream and fizzy-pop brigade, but families would be a major target market for a reproduction steam train hauled by a locomotive (lovely, excellent locomotive, don't get me wrong) with no historical integrity whatsoever, but which will certainly attract the attention of Blue Peter, local tv and radio etc.

 

Have I missed something - where are all these LNWR 1860s carriages complete with original underframes?

 

Being pedantic, continuous brakes haven't been a requirement since 1997. The requirement now is that "The operator of a vehicle shall ensure that a suitable and sufficient braking system is provided and maintained for that vehicle and, where the vehicle is part of a train of vehicles, for that train of vehicles." That is subtly different and, for example, allows a loco to be used without a combination brake. It also allows top and tail with unfitted vehicles if the brakes on the locos are suitable and sufficient. What has to be then added is a suitable means of communication to replace the communication cord.

 

In that case you might be "rather disappointed" if you visited the Isle of Wight Steam railway.