Current and Proposed New-Builds

The Sharp Stewart 4-4-4T seen at Bewdley in the mid 1920s (see the picture puzzle thread) would be no use day to day on the SVR, but would go nicely with the toplight saloons on special occasions.

Something else seen regularly on the SVR in those days was the 455 class 'Metro Tank'. Functional rather than elegant, but 140 were built between 1868 and 1899 and 10 survived into BR ownership, so they must have had something going for them.

 

Surely GWR locomotives, (Krugers and Hawkesworth panniers excepted) had elegance fitted as standard....
The metro tank has, I think, simplicity and grace by the bucketload

 

The Kruger (either 4-6-0 or 2-6-0 version) would certainly be a contender for the "ugliest locomotive in British Isles" award, but I think the broad-gauge 4-4-0 saddle-tanks might also be on the shortlist.

 

From people who drove it, the Adams radial tank on the Bluebell had a reputation for being more slippery than a Teflon-coated eel, probably not helped when running light engine by a light axle load and a powerful steam brake. On the other hand, the Southern used them successfully on the Lyme Regis branch with gradients of 1 in 40, so go figure! (They were restricted to the equivalent of about two and a half coaches there, though).

Tom

 

The GER Decapod as rebuilt into an 0-8-0 would have a strong case for warranting classification as the ferro-equine equivalent of “munter”.

Tom

 

Understood, but there are plenty of preserved lines without severe gradients, and the Wirral 4-4-4T's had relatively small driving wheels. I realise it wouldn't be much use on the North Yorkshire moors!

 

Metropolitan 4-4-4T were beautiful locos.

 

If only "Wouldn't it be nice" were less in evidence in these whimsies than "Wouldn't it be useful".

 

I really don't think you get the purpose of this thread Paul!

 

Alas I do.

 

They would be useful. What IS your problem? Not ideal for every single preserved line, but both classes actually built for short distance passenger service, which is what is on offer.

 

They didn't run on the Isle of Wight?

 

With frequent stops and low speeds on tourist railways, something with a decent factor of adhesion is highly desirable.

That deserves a rather rude reply so I had better leave it there.

 

Last night I was flicking through Colin Garratt's book on the work of Rev. Mace. On the subject of the LNER H1, he said: "the symmetry of a 4-4-4T was a joy to behold". I agree!

 

I like WIBN posts. They are a lot more interesting than the "I painted the level crossing gates" sort of thing, although I have no objection to anyone saying that if they want to.

 

So on the subject of useful, would that handy peice of kit the standard 4 tank be any more useful if re built as a 2-8-2 with 4ft 8 1/2" driving wheels ?

 

No. What existing problem would it solve?

Tom

 

Don't worry I learned to ignore Paul hitchs barbs years ago.

 

With frequent stops and low speeds on tourist railways, something with a decent factor of adhesion is highly desirable ?

Dont mind Munters handsome is as handsome does

 

As have many in their gricers dream of heaven.