Which locomotive would you most like to see return to steam?

Highland Railway No.103. Would be wonderful to see a Highland engine back at 60B (Aviemore).

 

No 60532 'Blue Peter' for me please.

 

York No.1. I can't remember seeing it run, and it is an interesting little beastie with a good deal of power...

 

This. Also the Caley Single, 'Glen Douglas' and 'Gordon Highlander'.

Oh, and 'Gazelle', although I imagine that it would make more sense (for a given value of sense!) to build a replica than restore the real one.

 

Interesting to note (in connection with the current 'Mallard' thread) that no-one has mentioned the big blue Streak!

For me, in a money no object world, and in order of preference, I think the Adams 4-4-0 at the NRM, or the L&Y 2-4-2T, or 2500. I could go on...

 

All four of those Scottish engines would make great contenders. After 103 I'd quite like to see the Glen running, imagine seeing one of those again in the West Highlands!

 

Midland Compound 1000, followed by the Midland Spinner, and as a useful hire-out loco to Heritage line(s), the three-cylinder Stanier tank 42500.

 

Manning Wardle 1795. Lovely looks and I imagine lots of power with an interesting history.

 

Definitely the Midland Compound the Spinner too and Butler Henderson

 

and, interestingly, now available for sale if anyone is interested

 

4003 'Lode Star' or the Dean Goods 2516

 

LBSCR E1 110 built 1877 currently resting at Cranmore.

 

I would second ALL of that!

Regards,
Ian

 

Top of my list would be the Adams 'Radial' but would have to be in BR lined black. I love the contrast of the elegant aged design decked out in the comparatively modern BR livery. I think the lining enhances the design of the loco and looks a lot more elegant than the LSWR/SR livery alternatives.

The Midland 'Compound' No. 1000 would go second.

Third choice would be the SVR's Gordon purely because it is almost certain never ever to run again, and from a nostalgic point of view I'm rather fond of the loco after seeing it steam in the very early '90s when I was a kid.

 

Either Dame Vera Lynn OR LH&JC No.5.

 

Really? Why is that?

 

As far as I can make out these are the issues, in no particular order:

1) Too large for the SVR, to be absolutely honest. Would only really earn its keep in high season when eight or nine coach trains are out - and even rostering so that it would get those trains would be an issue. Moreover the length of its wheelbase would if it were in regular service wear both the tyres and the track quite notably.

2) In need of extensive repairs. If I remember correctly, the Firebox is, to use a technical term, knackered.

3) Not overtly popular with SVR crews, apparently. This as a reason has often been mentioned in all sorts of places, but I myself have never specifically heard that it is particularly unpleasant - the ride is probably no bumpier than a Pannier, and substantially larger. Apparently it is quite a skill to light-up, however.

4) It is owned by the SVR. Whilst this is not specifically a problem in itself, unlike other engines on the line it does not have a dedicated group supporting it and raising money for its overhaul (although other SVR owned engines, specifically 4930 Hagley Hall have got such a group). Presumably the return the SVR would get on not having to pay steaming fees for another engine would not be enough to sanction its overhaul.

 

IIRC it needs extensive work especially on the boiler/firebox and the enormous cost of overhauling the loco isn't viable given the relative impracticality of the engine for use on SVR service trains. Perhaps I was being too defined by saying 'never ever' but the reality of it is that every other loco on the SVR has a better case for being put into traffic than Gordon.

 

Interesting to see the variety of responses! I might change my mind!