Sunday 31st July

This is something I've been thinking about for a few days now.

On Sunday 31st July, how many steam engines will be in use across Britain? How many will be lit up and put into service on that morning?

I've picked this date because most railways should be running in the summer and at a weekend, even the smallest will probably run a service with a steam engine on that day.

Anyone care to help me compile a list of how many will be in use? I'm sure it would be a fascinating insight into what the preservation movement has achieved in 60 years.

 

A Domesday book! Sounds an excellent idea Neil, I'll gladly help out.

 

I womder whether it might be better to go for Sunday 28th or Monday 29th August to maximise the number of locos, as some of the smaller railways, steam centreis or museums do not operate every weekend, but would almost certainly be operating on a bank holiday weekend, and most larger railways will be operating their most intensive service.

 

a (steam)domesday instead!!!!:biggrin1:

 

That might be a better idea - lets say Sunday 28th August.

What I was thinking of doing was getting a projected idea of how many will be in steam and then getting an actual figure.

The first thing to do would be to compile a list of every railway that will be operating steam on that particular day. I think that a limit of anything smaller than 1ft 11 1/2 inches isn't counted - apologies to any miniature railway fans.

 

Do you really mean "steam engines"?

Or do you actually mean "steam powered railway locomotives"?

Bearing in mind the title of this forum is "National Preservation, bringing the heritage community together", I guess you really do mean ALL steam engines, including stationary engines, road going steam engines, marine steam engines and not just steam trains?!

 

It'd be interesting to see how many of those operating were ex-Barry as well.
If this were an annual census as it were there could be all kinds of interesting barometer statistics such as:
Ownership (private, group, charity or line)
Mainline registered
Age
Duration to next overhaul
Power classification
Approx number of passengers carried on the day
Approx mileage on the day

 

I can see you regretting starting this, Neil

 

I wish you luck with this. Hope you've not got anything else pencilled in before Xmas?

 

Err no.

 

I would certainly go for the first 4 of your suggested statistics. Add in who built it and history of ownership and you have quite an interesting collection of information.

 

It's a good idea. How about making a Facebook page for it, where people could post their photos and info?

 

Excellent idea Steve.

 

<de-lurk>

You'd be better off setting up a spreadsheet and form in Google Docs. Makes it easier to aggregate all the information.

</de-lurk>

Simon

 

Yes I was thinking of something like that but having a Facebook page would allow people to tell us what's been running on the given date.

 

I think it depends if the aim is to make it A) a type of "shared experience" for steam trains on the big day, or alternatively B) a more academic approach that produces an analysable set of data and statistics.

If "A", Facebook (where you may attract some more contributors too). If "B", a spreadsheet on Google. Either way is fine with me and I'll be glad to help.

 

If you want a full record of all locos in steam on that day, I don't think you can just post on here and hope that people will provide the information required. You probably need to be more pro-active and contact each railway directly and make it as easy as possible to provide the info. My suggestion would be to formulate a simple set of questions to gather the required info (no need to ask for info which can be obtained from loco databases etc elsewhere). Then send these questions, together with an explanation of what you are doing, in an e-mail to each railway a few days before the day in question (so that they are prepared beforehand, but not too early so that they forget about it). Keep a record of the railways and there e-mail addresses so that you can tick them off as they reply, then a few days after the date you can contact those who haven't replied and ask them again if they are able to provide the info. The big task is to build the list of railways and e-mail addresses, but following the links from the HRA website (http://www.heritagerailways.com/railways-name.php) would help.

 

Malc,

My idea isn't based around using Nat-Pres as a basis for getting information. As you've said, it is far too limited. My plan is what you've suggested, contact each railway individually to find out what was running on the given date.

Thanks for your suggestion though.

Neil