Current and Proposed New-Builds

New Platform and gauge preferences. The idea is to reduce or nearly eliminate "The gap" to make it easier for less able passengers to get on and off a train. Part of a slew of measure that need to be completed by 2020.

 

Yep, background add just froze it up...

 

If they want to reduce the gap, why not build wider trains to take advantage of the generous loading gauge?!

 

.... or just give a home to a 'King' and all the surviving 'Ocean Saloons' . Simples! ..... Wot?

 

Well it just goes to show that there are differing opinions on 4709. I am really looking forward to seeing it to the original profile . It will be all "fake" if you expect a genuine 47xx , but building a completely unnecessary and very expensive one off boiler would be a very strange decision I think. I have financially supported several new builds but didn't support the Clan for example because I understood at the time that an almost identical 9F boiler could have been used with minimal adaption. Some reduction in sustained output from the smaller boiler would seem a very small matter for something that is unlikely to be used much on the main line if at all . The new Grange is intended for main line use and that has a No.1 boiler anyway.

 

Its complicated. Superficially and on paper the published GWR loading gauge doesn't look any different at platform height - 2ft 3in from rail to platform from most other lines. Indeed a number of pre group lines, Caledonian for instance, had a greater clearance. I've been doing a bit of a study of this stuff, and I'm still trying to work out why GWR locomotives have such trouble. At a **guess** I *wonder* if its to do with allowances for curves and the like. I've got to study structure gauges as well as loading gauges before I get to the bottom of it I think. Similarly the height of the GWR gauge isn't out of the general range: GNR and Midland, for example, were taller in the centre at 13ft 9in. The only area in which the GWR gauge was exceptional was width of stock above platform height (9ft 8in), and even then only on some lines. My impression is that they realigned tracks outside stations to take advantage of the extra width on the ex broad gauge lines, and used that to permit longer and wider carriages that were restricted to those routes. What's ironic is that didn't affect locomotive design. Interestingly its evident that some juggling has been done, and the current NR passenger gauge is a bit wider above the platform (9ft 3in) than most pre group lines were, if still narrower than the GWR.

 

Aren't all new boilers effectively one offs anyway? But the diameters for the 47 boiler are the same as the King and the firebox very close to a Castle.

 

Building a new boiler of the correct dimensions ain't going to be that much more expensive than restoring an ex-Barry No1, and would make a huge difference if/when the loco ventures out on the main line!

 

Anyone know how the LNW Prince is getting on? Havnt heard of this for a while.

 

And even if it does get out there, it's unlikely to be pulling the kind of loads the originals did, so the smaller boiler may well suffice.

Noel

 

I'm pretty sure they'd want it to be able to haul 12 or 13 over the Devon banks and make a profit... it'll struggle to haul 8 with a Standard 1 boiler!

Black Jim - I think it's like a swan paddling upstream. Slow and steady on the surface, a lot of feverish (unseen) work beneath - i.e. they're focussing on a ton of design issues to make sure it's able to operate safely on 21st century main lines!

 

LNW Prince George website has regular updates, including a progress blog which gives details of parts being procured, small but steady steps.

 

I hope their next project would be a lovely 4-6-0 engine like this one! https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=50ae822b8fcd3742b603f78022041403&oe=5BB16D56

Knut

 

A Prince of Wales. Four lasted until nationalisation. Allocated 58000-3

 

I've got a book somewhere, with a colour shot of (a very tired looking) 5321 Lusitania in full LMS passenger garb, leaving New Street on a stopping service between the end of WWII and withdrawl (I'm guessing none of the survivors got a repaint!).

There were some fantastic names on these locos. If a newbuild team chose 5608 Wolverine you could ask Hugh Jackman if he's interested in becoming honorary president of the project. Just think of the potential for merchandising!!

A pity Leonard Nimoy and Marc Lennard have left us, or No.5669 might have been a good candidate. On the other hand, 5743's moniker might cause a snigger or two these days and perhaps even the odd, everso slightly impractical suggestion regarding it's appearance.

So ... this 'ere newbuild ... anyone for BR passenger green? Early crest, naturally.

 

If I`m right the only survivor of british two cylinder 4-6-0 engines with inside cylinders and valve gear, is the LNER B12?

 

I believe so. Anyone got any idea if the Portuguese (BG) inside cyl 4-6-0 (rescued from a crumbling siding a year or so ago) is due for at least some tlc to protect it from further deterioration?

 

Thanks for your reply my friend. I have a soft spot to locomotives of this class

Knut

 

5743 was Prince Albert?

 

5743 was indeed so named.