Steam loco hire availability?

Hi chaps,

Does anyone know of any steam locomotives that are available for hire? The S&CR are unfortunately without a steam loco for the forseeable future and require something to fill the gap. Ideally something Austerity size would be preferred but might consider other options.

Feel free to send me a message with some options.

Thanks
Allan

 

Traction Ads was advertising the Austerity that was at Nene Valley as available for hire.

 

I did think of that, but the advert has disappeared in the latest issue.

 

Have sent you a pm with a couple of suggestions.

 

Thinking of the two that were most recently at the Nene... No. 22 was recently announced as arriving at the Mid Norfolk for Summer and the other was 3193 which has gone to Colne Valley.

If you are looking for suggestions I wonder if the Austerity that is at the Great Central could be available for hire?

 

Ok, that kills one of my suggestions, then!

 

The NYMR's Lambton tank No. 29 might be a possibility - it can't harm to ask!

 

Well that's my suggestion right out the window. This is probably a tough time of year as most locomotives will have agreements signed/ moved already.

The J27 seems to head out around summer but I have no insight into what the NYMR fleet requirements look like.

 

The J27 is booked to go elsewhere for the summer but AFAIK No. 29 is currently planned to stay at the NYMR all summer. II'm not sure if it will be needed, though.

 

Is it possible to divulge where the J27 is going for the Summer?

 

Provisionally July and August in the garden of England!? and another county.

 

As an additional note, this would most likely be a season long hire as we will need something to run from now until the end of December.

Thanks

 

Whilst I am a member I have no idea of the arrangements for their locomotives but the FRT hire out Cumbria, 5643 & no.20 , tend to be on long term and often seem long-standing arrangements but may be worth asking, likewise geographically do the Ribble group hire out?

 

Might Didcot have any suitable small GWR locomotives?

 

4144 is already off to the KESR which has been a bit of a roving ambassador for the past few years. 1340, 2999 and 4079 are the only operational steam there unless 1466 magically popped up now which it won't. Is there a spare Terrier kicking around?

 

Sure I've seen elsewhere that 2999 is staying at SVR for an extended period after the Spring Steam Gala, so Didcot may not be able spare anything else.

 

Welsh Guardsman from the SVR?

 

Just about the only other Austerity I can think of. Maybe the owners would play along for a bit of a beer tie. Swiftsure is also off to the KESR.

Sneaky edit: 5526s time at Swanage is nearly up, maybe thats a bit too big.

 

5526 would be suitable, However SDR have confirmed to us this morning that they have nothing available. The search continues.

Something that could comfortable pull four MK1's would be considered. I've yet to try the SVR, I don't have a contact for them though. I'll see what I can find online...

 

Welsh Guardsman is owned by Felinfoel Brewery so there might be someone there in charge but I'd wager SVR might be dealing with its day to day