Replica builds for heritage lines.

The A5 would also be appropriate for the NYMR, of course - but I would still like to see an A8 first

 

So despite their mixed reception in BR days, would a Thompson L1 be a useful engine for a preserved line? What with only having to run at 25mph, and easily powerful enough for 5 or 6 coach trains?

 

If you are all wanting a tank engine the size of a standard class 4, but one that can carry a different livery than BR Black then how about the Fowler 2-6-4tank! I know of a group who want to build one of these.....

 

The A8 seems to be the most popular choice!

Sawdust.

 

It was supposedly designed as an M7 replacement, so a Leader would seem to be ideal for a heritage line.

 

It's interesting because Dick Hardy (who worked on them, ran them, was working in the drawing office when they were designed - so he has probably the widest experience of them) cites the axle boxes as the main weakness of the class. The prototype was highly thought of but the production batches were built to somewhat less exacting specs - no doubt symptomatic of the wartime austerity being felt.

He says they could do the jobs asked of them, and at the end of the day isn't that the acid test? Nobody would suggest they were exceptional but they were certainly if nothing else adequate machines.

 

I'm an (inactive) member at the SDJR at Midsomer Norton Looking at the photo's, something that recreates the 6.5pm Bath - Binegar would be nice. Johnson 0-4-4T & a pair of LMS Non Corridors ............

 

Three cylinders and three sets of Stephenson valve gear between the frames with the centre crankpin. Poor fitters.

This is supposed to be for a Heritage railway, so ease of maintenance would be a major consideration.

 

But this is a fantasy thread so practicality has no place!

 

I tried to analyse gaps in preservation on this previous thread:
https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/pre-1916-locos-in-steam-in-2016.652267/page-7
(scroll down for my summary table)
On that thread we decided the Robinson 4-6-2T aka A5 would be both useful and would fill a particular glaring 'gap': GCR locos.
Scottish pre-grouping is the most under-represented group (GSWR especially), although the LNWR in the 20th century is also very thin: suggesting that the George the Fifth project should be supported (perhaps before starting new 1930s/40s/50s types... I live in hope but not expectation!)

 

The NYMR already has four BR standards and two black 5s. The key word here is heritage. An A8 would fill a hole in it's ability to demonstrate a more varied period of the past.

The key word being heritage not tourist.

Sawdust.

 

I'm responding to the OP who I quote:-

"If money was available what type of steam locomotive would you love to see build for heritage lines?"

The OP made no mention of practicality or lack of it, and in my opinion practicality has a significant place on heritage lines.

So would an L1, since they were used in N Yorks. I have a photo of one on a Whitby - Middlesborough train; is that close enough for you?

Of course if you think heritage means pre 1923, then so be it - an A8 would fit the bill, but don't imagine it would fill the hearts of the fitters with love.

 

Surely if you want a GCR loco you should support GCR 567.
If you want a new LNWR loco again support the George.
Who knows, maybe once they have completed them (if it's a reasonable time scale) they will also start to think about doing a second loco. The GCR guys might do as you say and want to build an A5 or A8.

But I do think we need to get a few more finished before we start on any next rounds. And no not because of the spread of money but of the spread of skills. Alot of the people building the locos will be the ones with the skills to build the next ones. Or if you are wanting to build a loco join up and get the experience from a team doing just that to understand what's involved in building a loco.

 

You are joking, I hope? I can assure you that there is always pressure to keep the locos running. Grovelling about in a pit beneath a mess of crankpins eccentrics rods and motion is a bruising and filthy occupation. Why do it? because we find we are reasonably good at it - but that is no reason to make it even more difficult by choice.

 

Both would be really nice!

Sawdust.

 

No. Which is why there is an overhaul queue at most if not all preserved lines.

 

Or just drive your car around a bit more.

 

Agreed re practicality & in practical terms we really don't need any more locos to look after, have many years of residual life in most of the locos we have sat around and probably from now on steadily diminishing resources with which to look after it all.