GWR 3205

Can anyone say what (if any) plans exist for the return to steam of the unique Collett 0-6-0 tender engine?

 

According to an Article in the latest HR , SDR officials have held talks with the 2251 fund with a view to launching an appeal. It is stated it needs a new combined saddle and cylinder block, and " it is also believed to require an 'almost completely new boiler' at an estimated cost of between £ 350,000 and £750,000."

 

Crikey, that's a lot! That said, I do have a soft spot for 3205 and would donate to such an appeal

 

It certainly seemed to appear in the early days on a number of lines.

A great pity that more 2251's were not preserved as they seem an ideal loco for many heritage lines

 

I would of thought a new build 3205 would 'only' cost about double the total required to overhaul the current loco?
When does it become more economical to build new, as opposed to patching up?

I'm sure a number of lines could do with a 3205 loco, a small batch across a number of groups would bring down cost considerably.

 

Just out of interest, how many different classes are 'Ideal for preserved line use', and on what basis do you choose the one to go with?

 

I'm not really sure how you define an ideal loco as surely it would vary line to line?

Guess it ticks quite a few boxes though, fairly light axle load, good coal and water capacity, relatively economical from what I understand.

I'd have thought in most cases an Ivatt or Standard 2, or a Standard 4 tank probably tick most boxes all round (apart from the copper cap and brass embellishments box)

Chris

 

A BR Standard Class 3 2-6-2T must be becausethey are building a new one!

 

I know, I pay them a monthly donation!

 

I think it's all a bit horse's for courses much as it would have been nice to have seen a few more O2's survive, and the SVR was offered/ made noises about accuiring some would they be suitable for today's operations?
Thread drift but would something like 2516 be suitable for operations today on some railways?

 

And how many years has it taken so far? New builds are all very well in WIBN land but lets face it, there has not been a new standard guage loco built in the last decade despite numerous schemes under construction. In my opinion it is better the overhaul what we already have, as there is really no shortage of locos in every railway's overhaul queue.

Peter

 

Weren't the Standard 3 tanks earmarked to replace the 02's at one point in the 60's ?

Bob.

 

Ask the question (as we often do ) “what’s your favourite loco?” Count the number of distinct suggestions, and there is the answer to your question .

Tom

 

I think, Tom, that you might have felt there was some sarcasm involved in the question!

 

I partly agree and most of the more bonkers proposals will never see the light of day but all new builds are long term projects. The Duke was virtually a new build if you look at what they started with but then who needs the most unsuccessful of the BR Standards resurrected? ( the Clan). The Patriot will soon be with us and the one I subscribe to, the P2.
Reliable small engines for heritage lines are a different thing and I’m sure the Standard three will have been a good investment for the Valley

 

I think it was the Riddles 2's those ones that were Ivatt 2's in all but name.

 

Peter I take your point but having given money to both 82045 and 4150 I find that argument a bit null and void, one group has had a 40 odd year head start on the other yet they could both steam at the same time.
Please don't tell me what I should spend my money on.

 

Sorry Matt. No criticism implied nor intended. People are free to follow what ever dreams they have and I for one am all for this.

The suggestion was that rather than repair 3205 perhaps a new build 2251 class loco would be a better way forward. All I was trying to point out was that the track record so far with new builds is not very encouaging. There are no shortage of such projects and many have been ongoing for many years. However none have actually been completed yet, with the single exception of Tornado, which has now been in service for as long as many of its predecessors. The reality is that this does not look like it is going to change any time soon. Meanwhile the country is littered with so many worthy locos with history and provenance sidelined awaiting overhaul.

Just a personal opinion.

Peter

 

10 of the 84xxx were set aside for transfer to the IoW at the end of 1965 however only 84014 ex Bolton made it to Eastleigh before the idea was dropped.
Ray.