Diesel Preservation

I do my best to keep track of all British preserved locomotives and units, but I find that tracking diesel locomotives can be problematic, especially in trying to work out what is actually preserved.

As a prerequisite we probably need a definition of preservation, but that's a whole different thread!

I'll use a simple definition along the lines of .... "Saved from scrap for use and/or display in the heritage sector.".

Some locos fit neatly into this definition. The prototype Deltic, for example. Others are far less straightforward. For example, are the locos saved by Harry Needle considered to be preserved, or are they for commercial railway use, including hire to industry, main line operators and heritage railways? Many of Harry Needle's locos have operated on, or been stored on, heritage railways, but are they preserved?

Other complications include:

• Locos that are stored at heritage railways by non-preservation organisations.
• Locos that are bought for spares but are subsequently restored. At what point are these locos preserved?
• Locos that are bought for preservation, but are scrapped without being restored. Are these ever really preserved?
• Locos that are bought for preservation and later sold on for further main line or industrial use.
• Locos that are preserved but are hired out for main line or industrial use.
• Locos that are preserved more than once.

Tracking these locos is made more difficult because the reports in the railway press often don't specify whether a loco has moved for preservation, storage, hire, etc..

It would be interesting to hear other peoples' view on this. I know it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, but I have a little time on my hands right now!

 

Tim

If you are not already a member, it would be worth considering joining The Industrial Railway Society. Amongst other activities, despite the name, we attempt to track all UK non Network Rail locos (i.e. including anything that has left Network Rail) 15" gauge and above. Our publication "Industrial Locomotives including Preserved and Minor Railway Locomotives" (snappy name!) includes pretty well everything you seem to be interested in, and members receive regular updates.

http://www.irsociety.co.uk/ and the bookshop https://irsshop.co.uk/

(I say "we". I am not an officer of the society just a long standing member and moderator of our discussion group (which is open to non members)).

End of plug.

 

Thanks. Sounds like a good plan. I wasn't aware that the IRS took an interest in preservation.

 

As someone who has been maintaining an online Locomotives Database for over 20 years, these are all good questions and I would love to have the answers but. . . unfortunately I don't. . . . so just muddle along as best I can and hope people double check any info I provide before basing any plans on my info.

 

Which database is that?

 

Yes ... which database? There are a couple of databases. Must be a real labour of love.

I maintain a database of preserved locos, and it keeps me pretty busy. It's not online. Not sure I'd want to make that sort of commitment.

 

I believe @mdewell is webmaster of http://www.heritage-railways.com

 

Try wnxx.com, they have experts in this area.

 

Besides VCT Vintage Carriage site I often use Preserved Railway Stocklist.
http://ukprsl.uk/