LMS Hughes Crab 42859

So any suggestions to where the location would be in Swindon? And to what parts have moved there?

 

Why would you wish to know that?

 

Just taking an interested. As what I've seen of photos at RAF Binbrook, it looked in a sorry state. I don't know much about this loco, but it would be nice to know that most of it's parts are still together, even though it probably still in bits.

 

The reason for a secret location... is because it's a secret that the owner wishes it to be.

Given some of the stories heard..
I think it's best to keep it a secret.. no locations, or even clues of locations please.

 

Dear ADB968008,

If one looks back through this thread, it is clear that the remains of this rare L & Y - designed loco are considered 'At Risk' by the railway preservation movement.

If they are hidden from view, then their condition cannot be monitored and this is definitely not in the best interests of the loco. in this case.

 

And do you plan to stand guard over them?

 

I must confess I am interested to know how the railway preservation movement as a whole (even if there is such an entity) can consider whether anything is at risk or not, since being "at risk" of scrapping seems to be mainly a function of whether the owner(s) wish to continue paying the storage bill, and I am also interested to know what use having the movement "monitoring" the loco can be, because I don't think any such monitoring pays any of said bills...

 

At the end of the day its Mr Arkell's property and he is at liberty to do with as he sees fit or circumstances dictate, as am I or anyone else who is daft enough to invest large sums of money in buying locomotives.

 

If people are so concerned about the engine. Why not take the time to write a letter to Mr Arkell offering him some help or support once the dust has settled and they engine secure ? At least that way people will have done all they can to ensure the well being of the engine.

 

I do sometimes wonder if it is not better to reveal a locomotives location than try and keep it secret. While ever the location is unknown it will be a topic of discussion and debate and efforts will be made by some to gain 'brownie points' finding it. If the location is somewhere where enthusiasts are likely to visit then it will not be secret for long anyway. If it is at a location where enthusiasts are unlikely, or more importantly, unable to visit such as industrial premises or a commercial private storage sites then what is the problem. Few if any 'spotters' will not have seen the remains of 42859 so few of those will be bothered about seeing it and the rogues and villains will not be interested if it is difficult to access and they could well get caught.

Experience gained from years of involvement with 'Preserved Locomotives of British Railways' (Platform 5 Publishing) has been that if a locomotive is shown as "Location unknown" requests will continually be received as to whether we have any updates. If a location is shown of the type where 42859 probably now is it will be shown as "site not normally open to the public" and we presume readers are intelligent enough to understand that. That was the case with Binbrook.

 

Why is everybody so concerned ?. The loco is a kit of parts & is likely to be so for many years to come. There is a fine example of the class just about to return to steam at the E.L.R. & a brilliantly cosmetically restored example at the N.R.M.

Bob.

 

Spot on. At present, it's one bloke's personal collection of scrap metal. It's not owned by a trust or a charity or a national museum. He can sell it, hide it away or melt it down if he wants.

 

I know the chairman of Arkells is one James Arkell but are you suggesting he's the Jim Arkell of Crab ownership fame?

 

I have been informed by a very reliable source that they are certainly from the brewing family whether or not it's the person you meantion I don't know to be honest.

 

i wonder if 'Bongo' still looks in on Nat Pres? If he does, I bet he's having a bit of a chuckle at some of the present posts.

 

If he does, it would be a good moment to say that I know of at least one person who misses his invariably interesting contributions...

 

Photo"s of the "Crab" at Binbrook in 2011, I went to the former Airfield to remember the BAC Lightnings when i came across these.

 

I'm not the one you know of but I do miss his contributions to the forum.

 

Great pictures – Shame it in bits. Would it of been better to kept it intact as in it Barry condition? At least it would look more like a locomotive.

 

There seems to be more information about what happened to the "crab" parts on the Airfield Information exchange site go on the Lincolnshire section then Binbrook,