'Number 9s' predicament, what does the future hold?

As i'm sure many of you know, Mr Cameron's A4 hasn't been in good health for the last year and she is in need of a heavy general, however it will have to be undertaken under a new owner. Or not undertaken at all. So, what do you think the future will hold? I am personally hoping that a Mr Waterman or a Mr Hosking will purchase her and turn her out in a few years time like new for another 7 years on the big railway. However I think that what will really happen is that a buyer can't be found and 60009 will be a static exhibit at Crewe or the NRM.

 

No idea what will actually happen but I doubt the NRM would want another A4.

 

Or Jeremy Hoskins.

Regards

 

God i hope a Mr Waterman doesn't get it! Please god no!

 

Personally I couldn't care less who ends up owning her, as long as they can demonstrate that they have the locos best interests at heart.
For me that means keeping her on the Big Railway,but if needs must then I could live with her putting in appearances on preserved lines only.
But as a stuffed and mounted exhibit.....any takers?
I think not.
There is always the 'Unthinkable Alternative'......http://www.sa-venues.com/activities/steam-trains.htm

 

Engine house on the SVR...

 

I can't predict what will happen with USA but i would say that if their are no serious offers to overhaul and run an A4 of all things, then the movement is in trouble, it's hard to get more inconic and glamorous than this class.

 

I am intrigued at the very major news that Matt35027 seems to break in his post but that no-one else has commented upon – that any overhaul “will have to be undertaken under a new owner”. Whilst I have no more idea on this than the average forum member, I had not seen any comment to this effect elsewhere.

You should never forget that No. 9 has belonged to John Cameron longer than it belonged to the LNER or BR, so I can’t see him readily parting with it or doing anything not in the loco’s best long term interest. With No. 7 and No. 19 both currently very much in action, perhaps a “rest” for No. 9 would not be a bad plan?

Given how much the last overhauls of the other 2 A4s cost, No. 9’s next one is unlikely to be cheap and, with 3 of the class on the mainline, I can see operating on preserved railways as well as the mainline will be an essential part of the loco trying to pay its way – as happens with the other 2.

Steven

 

I'd just like to say "get well soon Mr Cameron"
worry about no9 once you have done so.

 

Maybe the original Poster needs to clarify where/when he has heard that Mr Cameron is not prepared to finance another overhaul, and that by inference he might be prepared to part with the engine to someone who is so prepared? Is this authoritative, or "platform-end" talk?

I agree with the earlier comments that it might at present be difficult to justify overhauling a third A4 for the mainline.

46118

 

It was in an issue of Steam Railway a couple of months ago (I don't have access to it, my Dad has whisked it away), I was also reading an LNER forum with posts from this time last year when UoSA failed and John was agonising whether or not to repair her, he did and number 9 was involved in the GB2, however she recently failed again (air brakes) and with her boiler ticket up next year, it's probably not worth repairing her again.

This is the important bit if you're just skim reading

One person from the LNER forum references talking to one of number 9's support crew who said 'She will run again around Easter (2009 (GB2 time)) and maybe a bit after and when her ticket expires it won't be John that overhauls her, and she will probably be put in a museum

--Edit-- Link to the forum http://www.lner.info/forums/a4-60009-overhaul-t1722.html

--Edit Edit -- there's even a number 9 tribute video on youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp5cs_M9VDg&feature=sub and the creator of the video shares his 'pearls' of wisdom in the description, he seems to suggest that John doesn't have the finance to overhaul her

 

I would imagine No. 9s overhaul will take some time to complete , not least because of the costs involved . Then she might return when the mainline ticket of one of her sisters expires . No. 9 hasn,t been that busy and would doubtless benefit if their was less competition .

 

It is a matter of record that it took circa £800k to do a 'Heavy General' overhaul of 60007 last time, however the figure will depend on how much work is needed. It also took best part of 5 years so the fact two A4s are on the mainline now is of limited significance, by the time 60009 may be back both 60019 and 60007 would be only be a few years from needing overhaul themselves.

I also hope a good solution can be found, No.9 kept the flag flying for LNER steam on the mainline very well for many years and deserves to continue doing so.

 

Yes! Never have been the biggest fan of A4s!

I'm sure it won't come to that though...

 

There is always going to be a finite amount of work available for class 7 and 8 locos - they are not suitable for heritage lines (apart from brief visits) so it really means main line work, and there are probably far more locos than work around.. Therefore it is unrealistic to expect all of them to be working all of the time.

 

I think we ought to shut up and wait for the loco owner to inform us of his decision - not re-hash the inane ramblings of some sensation seeking scribbler who has no connection at all with what is, after all is said and done, currently private property.

If I were into my seventies I would take a far different view than someone in their twenties for all sorts of reasons.

John Cameron knows his own mind and circumstances, and we will learn of his decision in good time.

 

I am sure John will make up his own mind, but the options illustrate the way that the main line scene can change quite quickly - e.g. Tornado, Scots Guardsman - newly available locos will be more popular (and presumably bankable) than those which have been around for a few years.