GWR 2-8-0 2885 news

If Bradley Manor didn't bash the platforms, then I wouldn't have though that a 28xx would be any more hazardous.

Yes - one line that is likely to need a few more locos in the future and where the power of a 28xx would come in very useful on that 1 in 40 gradient.

 

Agreed, but I wouldn't want to try running 7802 round at Swanage with her looking towards the sea.

Stephen

 

Fifteen (I think) Stars and one Saint acquired Collett cabs, but all at the same time as rebuilds to Castle or Hall specification. There were bunker enlargements on a number of the earlier Churchward tank classes, and any number of cab upgrades on Dean or Armstrong era engines, but you're right, I can't think of any cab changes to Churchward designs other than the Great Bear which had the original cab roof *shortened*, according to the source I saw because the firemen had troubles handling the fire irons. Maybe it was less of a big deal for locos that didn't travel north of Watford?

Ona different topic, how much kit do you think it would take to keep a single class more or less continuously active on a preserved line? I was thinking possibly three boilers, two chassis and one tender. Halls and 28s could share tenders and boilers I guess.

 

I agree with you completely John, if there's any group of locos that derserve good homes, it's the 28XXs.

As you said, they are very useful for most lines of reasonable length, perhaps more so than most locos of a similar size. They we're designed to pull heavy loads, at relatively low speeds, which to me sounds perfect for the heritage railways of today. And they may not have glamour Bulleid Pacifics, but to me they are still one of the most handsome classes around, certainly for a heavy engine.

It is true that most of the big railways do already have what they require, but there are several developing railways, that in the future will find them very ideal. Such railways like: the Mid Norfolk Railway, the Wensleydale Railway, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, and several others.

These locos may seem unwanted now, but there will come a time, when there is probably not enough steam locos to go around...!

Interestingly, most of the later 2884 Class examples have a secure future, apart from a couple of them, whether this has something to do with their better enclosed cabs I don't know. Also the the tank derivatives, the 4200, 5205 and 7200 Classes, have also done quite well in preservation, with most (if not on their way to) being operational.

So it's not all bad, but their gona have to be respectful, and visit their great elder, 2807, the godfather of Great Western freight engines, at some point...!

 

Has one ever run on the NYMR? I would have thought GWR 2-8-0's would get on quite well going up the hill to Goathland. Probably no good for the Esk Valley line, but not all of the engines need to go to Whitby.

 

There is one on the NYMR (3814) but its restoration has stalled, unfortunately. I'm sure that if it was completed it might gain some amirers, just as Foxcote Manor did recently.

 

I get the impression that GW stuff isn't particularly popular up on the NYMR. The good performance of Foxcote certainly seemed to surprise many.

 

Well, we don't have many humpty-backed, long armed dwarfs up in Yorkshire! There must have been a plentiful supply in Wales, though.:behindsofa:

With apologies to the policially correct brigade.eace:

 

Why? Are they are little awkward to fire, then? ;-)

 

If you can do the funky gibbon you can fire a western engine.

 

Have you suddenly come into some funds then Rumpole? If so then yes please (I'm sure Alistair can make one fit!) we could replace at least one of the numerous Bulleids..................

 

Not sure i'd see the appeal myself. Much rather see a Bulleid in an authentic location hauling matching coaches than a GWR 2-8-0 doing so. Plus there are far more GWR lines about for those to invade. :smile:

 

so its true then what they say about GW firemen ? , Seriously though, try firing off the floor , you might not have back trouble when you sign on, but you do when you sign off , i wonder ? would a 28xx flatten our bank? anyone want to lend us one to try with ?

 

Just look at 2807 pull away from Keighley on You tube

GWR 2807 @ KWVR - YouTube

I watched her pull away from Llanogllen with 3802 plus 8 coaches during her testings in 2010. I'm biased but she will take on most banks a win.

 

pure porn!

 

On a purely personal point of view, I'm just happy to be able to work on a steam loco, no matter who built it and where it was built for. The variety is what makes it interesting to me.

Anyway, the GWR loco we've got is an industrial, isn't it Nigel...! ;-)

 

I would hazard a guess that the Severn Valley would welcome another 28xx with open arms if there is a benefactor out there! Excellent engine for the "Valley", beyond the ideal, which is probably a Large Prairie or a Standard class 4 tank.

I wonder why the NYMR based engine has not been progressed? Ideal I would have thought for their heavily-graded line. Strange if "anti-Great Western" bias on the NYMR is the reason their engine languishes with apparently the bottom half already done. Must be a finance/ownership issue in reality. They do "do" Southern on the Moors dont they?

 

The NYMR don't own 3814. One of the reasons the NYMR 'do' Southern engines is that there aren't many suitable NER/LNER locos around, former GWR and to a lesser extend SR & LMS lines have been blessed by Barry scrapyard.

 

An Ivatt cl 2 will drag five out of Keighley with a lot less noise and commotion......