Owning a four wheeler

If you haven't got your heart dead-set on steam (though I realise this in the steam section...)there are any number of seemingly unloved and derelict industrial diesels lurking in sidings and headshunts at many railways about the country. Might be worth approaching them?

 

They don't and I did say 'might'. They do have track so there is always the possibility that at some future date they will want to do something, whatever that something is, involving a loco and their present limits aren't really appropriate for anything much bigger.

 

At the risk of sounding like ‘City of Truro fan’, Hollycombe could potentially be added to that list.

Their standard gauge line has fallen out of use because ‘Commander B’ needs expensive boiler work. However if someone turned up with a working 0-4-0 ST, who would accept a minimal hire fee, then it might give the impetus needed to get the line running again.

 

Just spotted on TractionAds - Andrew Barclay for sale; I believe this is the one in the museum at Ribble?

 

Since tiny locos will always be of limited use, and therefore low priority, to the majority of heritage railways I’m so glad there are, nevertheless, individuals and small groups still willing to restore and maintain them. And hopefully have some fun. Thank you all.

 

Noted today that Commander B under a tarpaulin coupled to the erstwhile passenger wagon & rotting brakevan. Line well & truly disused.