Matheran 740

Thanks for the up date, I am just wondering how much it would cost, if someone else wanted to take it on, assuming of course that the STR wanted to release it.

 

As owner are you intending to sell this loco ?

 

Wasn't it originally a bequest from the late Mike Satow?
Ray.

 

I see you have amended your post to include the facebook reference, the original suggested you were involved.

 

Much talk about this loco on the Leighton Buzzard facebook page, I think many members feel like it is time for her to return home to Buzzard.

 

I hope it returns to the LBNGR as well, but what was the original reason for it to leave in the first place?

 

If I recall correctly the loan agreement was up and rail world wanted it back.

 

Thanks for your prompt reply.

 

I'm sure than many of us have suggestions for where it could or might go but, given its particular operational limitations, where would be the best fit for it?

 

So 740 was donated to Railworld in 1991 and they sold it on to STR in 2014 .... nice.
Ray.

 

If there is a cost involved I can't see Buzzard going for it since they have other projects in front of it. They have so I have been informed no undercover area for her to go even if they did have it, could be another one for Statfold?

 

It would be a shame to disappear into the Statfold collection. As much as I love the place it is becoming a bit... greedy isn't a fair word as they do great work, but they do seem to suck up everything that becomes available, and with only one enthusiast day in the calendar they don't have many opportunities to show off their collection.

I wonder if perhaps she might be useful to the (hopefully soon) extended Lyton and Barnstable? Powerful for 2 foot but not as bulky as the South African locos so may well fit the L&B loading gauge.

 

Having explored the idea I am told that she is only just capable of maintaining a line speed of 12/14 mph which in the long term is a big draw back.

That said I am told there are two big locos that would suit the extend L&BR but you would need to convince a lot of people to accept them in Devon and that is the pair of 0-10-0T's at Preston in Kent, from what I have been able to find out they would maintain a line speed of 2o+ MPH and they would both fit the L&BR loading gauge. Buying them is one thing, restoring them is another but I think they are do able.

 

I am very surprised that they could do 20mph, I presume that is a maximum rather than a working one?
l have been told that they are quite noisy, with 2 gearboxes that enable the articulation. Time will tell though, as one is being restored at Workshop 'X' in Derbyshire?

 

@Mrcow will be able to advise

 

I am, told they can go faster than that and compared to 740 a dream, somewhere on you tube I think there is some film with one of them working