76079

Have to say that it seems improbable that the NYMR would want to buy 76079 if it was subject to a clause that took it away from them for six weeks of the peak season when they need it most.

 

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But it 6 weeks earning a guaranteed income.

 

....... during which time it has to be supported by its owners 200 miles or so away from their base in their peak season and the NYMR will have to find and p-ay for a replacement engine.

Face up to it, if the NYMR buys this loco it will be for their own use not someone else's. I have to say, though, there doesn't seem much support for the idea on the NYMR at the moment.

 

I would have thought that the NYMR would be better putting the money into overhauling DVL or 80135.

 

What dismays me is the haste with which Steam Railway magazine has printed this "news" - they could have caused untold damage to the NYMR's vital bridge appeal, by giving the impression that the cost of a loco can be just conjured out of thin air.

 

How come NYMR didnt buy 75014 when they had the chance ?

 

MONEY!!!

 

Completely irrelevant - but does anyone else wish for a day where a Manor or 9017 could go up the Cambrian Coast?

 

Yes! (or 5521)

 

Perhaps the SVR could be persuaded to re-register 43106? Anyway, don't give up on 76079 just yet!

 

Panniers 9600 and 9466, are they too heavy for the line???

 

Wasn't the relatively low amount of hammerblow the reason for allowing 76079 ?, given that the bridge itself has a speed limit no more than 10MPH maybe even 5, is hammerblow such an issue at such a low speed ?.

9466 is Red Route so probably too much axleload wise, 9600 in theory is light enough, but you still have the hammerblow question added to doubts about enough power and keeping to the timetable (very unlikely), water capacity, and finding a spare set of vac braked stock as opposed to the Air MK2's previously used.

Unless there have been some big track alterations in recent years then im pretty sure a Manor/Large Prarie is out of gauge through the coast platform at Dovey, so realistically only 43106 or a 80XXX, 75XXX or 76XXX is workable i reckon.

 

They may be able to do 60mph but NR would definitely not allow it.

 

Essentially a locomotive is needed that can pull 7 or 8 carriages over steep gradients at up to 60mph on sprinter like timings that has a light enough axle loading for Barmouth bridge AND hold enough water to get to Pwlheli...how many locos like that are around that can be certified in time for 2010? If NYMR are the buyers I can not see them releasing 76079 in August, the busiest month of the season for steam operation, it doesn't make financial sense especially as they are trying to reduce their reliance on hiring in locos which I guess this purchase is about.

 

Why the lack of support? I would of thought that 76079 would be a popular addition especially given her regular appearances on the Moors in recent years..?

 

Simple. The NYMR has a Million pound appeal running at the moment for two essential capital projects. That has yet to reach its target. The only place the capital to fund a locomotive purchase is going to come from is borrowing, and the sums involved do make you stop and think!

However, there is an obvious attraction in owning your own engines, rather than being dependent on a third party in order to be able to operate your business. The supply of fairy godfathers willing to fund the restoration of an engine, then hand it over for 10 years, also seems to have dried up. The railway owning the engines, even through trusts, seems to be the way things are heading. 3627, 30936, 2253, 45428 & 80135 were all privately owned until a few years ago. The NYMR has had to borrow to fund the purchase of 80135 & 45428 already. Be interesting to see how this all pans out...