The next newbuild

Which is why you have the triple test - is it useful? is it buildable? is it fundable?

An ideal project ticks all three boxes, though pace PH, fundable but not useful stands more chance of getting built that useful but not fundable! Which probably explains why we currently have two broad gauge replicas but, thus far, no class 2-ish 0-6-0s or 2-6-2Ts ... (I'm impressed by 82045 not so much on account of the the engineering, high quality though it is, but that such a relatively unglamorous engine appears to have such strong financial support).

Tom

 

Obviously you need a shed. Not sure that a single loco justifies one of its own, though. Maybe link up with other societies and build something spacious together?

I like the idea of restoring an NRM loco. Personally, I'd be more inclined to support that type of project than a new-build like the Patriot. Something like MR 1000 or LMS 2500 could have a very good future - City Of Truro has already shown how such a loco can lead a useful life on and off the mainline. If the 2500 project has stalled because of funding, an approach from a group like yours could be very welcome at the NRM.

Perhaps the most intriguing idea is to provide a life-line for the "Binbrook Crab". A group like yours could be just what (the remains of) that loco needs. Good luck with that one...

 

Meanwhile whilst all the speculation of " what will be the next new build be", a low loader slipped into a farm in Essex, collected a spare Jinty boiler, (which had been pretending to be something M&GN for 50 years and has no loco to sit on, and disappeared "up north" to an unknown location for a rumoured new build...

 

Hang on... There's a thread on here by someone called 43729 looking for a set of 4x Midland/LMS/BR class 08 buffers, ideally of the round variety. Could this be a string of clues? Either that or major rumour mongering!

 

As you know I am just one of hundreds of 82045 supporters. Your comment concerning strong financial support is interesting in view of my previous observation that the promise of even more main line 'glamour' Locos is going to make any additional New Builds a far more challenging financial proposition than in the past, for reasons I will not explore in this post.

To ensure that a project is fundable - always difficult at the planning stage, I would suggest two critical ingredients are fundamental requirements. First if the Loco is for Heritage line use rather than main line, you need the unconditional support of the Heritage line concerned. This means that the Loco has to fit in with the Heritage environment, and be capable of performing meaningful duties on the line. Second, and of equal importance, a management structure of often unsung volunteers to ensure the forward planning of the project. This team will have responsibility amongst other duties of fund raising, publicity, planning and progress chasing. It is also interesting to note that a large skilled and enthusiastic engineering volunteer base, will save hundreds of thousands of pounds over the course of construction.

 

I know the person building "said loco". But its his choice as and when he decides to make it public and what loco he is doing. Cant wait for it my self.


With regards to new build boilers, i know you'll say its not built yet. BUT 4/5551s boiler has been started. All copper is at Crewe ready to be turned into an inner firebox.

 

43729? Ooh, excellent choice. Bring it on

 

There was an article in Railways Illustrated a couple of months back which evaluated a number of new builds against these three criteria.

 

Sadly i'm not the drone you're looking..... just fixing a gronk

 

In all the talk about "new builds" nobody seems to address the issue that we don't yet properly look after all the locos we already have.

By creating yet more locos surely this issue will only get much worse particularly as those pioneering these schemes are in all probability in it for just that and have no interest in the longer term issues.

 

I suggest this is a rather common misconception. If you have spent five years or more of your life investing love, skills, probably money and emotion helping construct a Loco, you are hardly going to walk away from the much cherished finished product. A well thought through project will almost certainly have a long term financial plan. In the specific case of 82045 all working volunteers constructing and managing the project are members of the SVR, the locos home railway. You can be sure her working days will be observed with a keen eye !

 

Ah, shame

But good luck with the gronk

 

is it 08 628?

 

08628 MUST BE SAVED

along with 2859, 2861, 47564, 48518, 4115.

Just pick up a rusty bolt lying round the workshop and start a facebook page then sit back and watch the 'likes' roll in.

In 10 short decades all these noble locos could run again.

 

I'd happily save 2859 and 2861, and a gronk to shift them when out of steam. I like freight engines. 48518 is alas too far gone even for me.

But I haven't won Euromillions yet. When I do... Well, let's just say I won't be buying a yacht

 

Just a note for anybody thinking of starting a '2861 Preservation Society' - you're too late.
The frames have been scrapped & the driving wheelsets are going to Didcot. Other major components have been retrieved for the 47xx project.

Bob.

 

Do you happen to know what the planned use (if any) is for them?

Noel

 

Presumably, to form the basis of a 28xx Facebook new-build?

 

Spares I think. The tyres are reasonable although they need a turning.

Bob.

 

That win better come in soon then before someone starts to chop up the other few remaining unrestored beasties to recreate their favourite fantasy.