D9016 / 55016 Gordon

Although this is an argument put forward over many loco's (wasn't Alberta scrapped because its tyres were worn to scrapping size?) and projects which are now thriving. I dont doubt the complexity of the challenge but as with all things preservation, where there is a will there is a way.

 

I was just musing over a possible positive future for these fine locomotives.
Who else could afford to take on two Deltic locomotives these days? WCRC?
If I had the funds that JH currently has I wouldn't be too worried just yet about spending some of them! (estimated at being over £300 million).

 

Not sure in what way it would be a great business plan for such a small fleet where the owners of said fleet are already struggling to fund keeping them in service, fragile engines and no spares available, if JH wanted a diesel fleet it would seem logical that as per WCRC the 47/37 route would be the way to go as still plenty about for spares - he already has 1 47 doesn't he - leave the DPS to it?

 

Fair points. With regards to JH and railtour work, a Deltic would be a far bigger draw for enthusiasts than a Class 47 or 37.
A specialist Deltic depot set up with the DPS at Crewe would perhaps help both parties in the long run. But I am only dreaming.........

With both of the loco's currently out of service, whoever decides to take them on will need very deep pockets and a team of people willing to take on the big tasks required to get them back in working order. Would the DPS be able to take on two more loco's? Or would the two loco's effectively become spares/donor loco's for the other Deltic's?

 

Wondering aloud, I am thinking how much of these locos are compatible with the prototype in order to get that running again. The prototype Deltic at the head of a train would certainly be eye-catching but whether that would be enough to make it a commercially-viable runner is another matter.

Sad to say, they may be best as parts for the remaining locos although the engine issue is one that sorely needs to be addressed - and soon.

All this must be heartbreaking for Mr. Walker though.

 

I think the prototype would out of gauge on today's railway too. I'm sure I've read that it's a bit bigger all round than the production models.

 

Very much so and spare parts for them make hen's teeth look commonplace.

 

Better news from the DPS at present.

Deltic D9009 Alycidon is hauling a railtour from Burton-on-Trent to Swanage on Saturday (seats still available).
http://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/index.php/tour-calendar-reader/events/the-swanage-belle.html

Rain and gale force winds are forecast but nevertheless I'll be out to see it. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K79500/2017/10/21/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K79511/2017/10/21/advanced

 

Correct, platform alterations at every station it passed through for free!!!

 

And anything in a complete working state, goes for a kings ransom.

 

Ah well, the prototype running again was a nice dream whilst it lasted - all three hours of it! I thought there were fundamental differences and it was good to see that confirmed.

 

Some better news from Martin on Facebook as well

Hope to have some great news to announce soon that may help things move along more quickly with the repairs to 22s number 2 Power Unit.

Fingers crossed

 

Care to share?

 

If you read it, he has shared all they is to tell yet.

Sawdust.

 

never mind the prototype, I've seen tongue in cheek references to DP2 over day or so

 

As I've said before - have nowt to do with FB and it's a closed group. Unless there's some big announcement to come with an embargo on it.

 

That's been mentioned before, to some opprobrium: at least there's little shortage of the Class 50 engine. Given there's a small and dedicated band building a Baby Deltic replica...