NRM J17 at Bressingham

I remember reading somewhere recently that the J17 was basically in as withdrawn condition.

 

So worn out on the inside?

 

I think so, I'll try and find where I read it.

 

I think for many years, the NRM took the view that they wanted to keep it at York since it was their only 0-6-0 on display there (2516 being at Swindon of course, 4027 then at Butterley and C1 on the Bluebell). I was actually quite surprised when it was allowed to go to Barrow Hill. I guess the return of C1 to York may have been a factor.

In a sense, though, it was always a rather odd choice for the NRM; the J17s were quite a small class. From the LNER constituent classes J6, J11, J15, J21 or J36 would surely have been more obvious choices. We must be grateful that the private sector managed to save three of those!

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I do think that the J17 should be displayed in East Anglia. Return it to Bressingham, or send it to the EARM, or the NNR if it builds it’s planned display shed.

 

Just try taking the J15/Y14 away from Norfolk!

 

Pitchforks and flaming torches at the ready if anyone dared try lol

 

This is a hard one to know either one way or the other, I am under the impression that the J17 was saved because it was (possibly) the last with a belpaire boiler BUT that would be about the limit of it, The E4 was saved as it was the last 2-4-0 in service, BUT was in fairly 'Unoriginal' condition, BUT was fitted with the earlier pattern boiler during cosmetic restoration. Over the years I've known many former Stratford apprentices, Who have spoken about making fittings for these restorations out of wood and gas barrell, but for which loco's I don't know, remember Stratford 'Restored' the J69, the E4, the J17 and the Tilbury tank. It must be remembered that 50 plus years ago the thought of the sort of running that We do now would have been beyond comprehension. I suppose that the only way to TRULY determine the condition of any of these Loco's would be to obtain NRM permission to carry out a feasability study on either all or any of them. Should anybody see fit to establish a body to carry out such a study I would be interested to be involved.

 

Hmmmm.... would love to have a crack at the E4 but the worry would be the tipping point whereby it's either cheaper to make a new loco or effectively you find yourself doing that anyway when you replace the frames, boiler, tender, firebox.... but keep the whistle though!

 

But you then find the whistle was made out of wood.

 

As long as it's the right sort of wood; they weren't fitted with pine ones until BR days

 

Maybe the NRM don’t want anyone to restore the E4 and J17 because they secretly know they are both mostly wood...

 

Maybe the NRM don't want anyone to restore the locos as that's not what a museum is necessarily about?

 

That opinion - which I completely agree with - has been known to provoke the old mild reaction on here...

 

My comment was meant in jest.

I’m actually in favour of the J17 and E4 staying as static displays due to their age.

I would like to see the J17 return to East Anglia for display though.

 

I agree but where though? At least at Barrow Hill it's undercover.

 

Bressingham, Mangapps, EARM or if/when the NNR Build their proposed display shed at Holt.

 

J21 was not saved by the private sector though !

 

It's saving was an odd story as it was initially marked down for the national collection but I understand that the swapping of boilers with 65099 precipitated it being dropped. Thankfully the late Dr Frank Atkinson at the nascent Beamish Museum ensured it's rescue from scrapping.

 

Depending on how things pan out in the future, 'New' GE locomotives COULD be built. If we look at the projects 'in the offing', Despite the rather derogatory item in SR some time back, The F5 trust are forging ahead (It seemed to Me that the 'Author' of the SR article couldn't see anything positive in a New Build unless the group invoved had scrapped a 'Hall') Which means that there is now either an actual pattern or the technology to make another for the cylinder casting, which would provide a cylinder for another E4 or J69, whilst the driving wheel pattern would provide wheels for another J17. As and when the Claud Hamilton group are looking at cylinders then there will be the possibility of another J17 cylinder, The 'New' Claud and J17 could share the same pattern boiler, so have 3 made, one for a spare, another set of endplates could allow the N7 to be rebuilt as to L77 spec (Did You hear the sound of Edward Thompson turning in His grave?) In essence anything can be done, and spending other peoples money is so much fun, plus We'd still have a genuine J17, J69 and E4 to exhibit.