Midland & Great Northern 4-4-0 Number 50

Is anyone interested in REBUILDING this lovely Victorian engine (classic Johnson Midland design). I nearly bought the boiler but realised how hair brained it was to try on my own- there's tenders about and possibly similar sized wheel patterns, and bogie wheels. Perhaps Meiningan could rebuild it if people pledge the money? Help please!!! Anyone interested, so much more interesting project than more standards?

 

As I said before people wont give money to a cause they are not certain about, start a charity (and get gift aid) get a website going, start going to shows, recruit members with experience and then people will listen.

I would also try and get the boiler to the NNR (static restored) so people can see it and become more interested and want to help. Then while you get a few components it is bringing in the interest

 

M&GNR This could be a runner

I'm not particularly interested myself but I think that there might well be a number of people who would be. If you have the opportunity to buy a suitable boiler (which would still be expensive to overhaul but cheaper than building a new one I guess) and there were suitable patterns or existing examples of wheels etc available then this would help too. I can only echo dace83's good advice here.
Now I know many will say "oh no, not another new build project" but, if the locomotive concerned is of a relatively simple construction and not too large or powerful then it might be ideal for the NNR perhaps? I'm not an avid enthusiast of the M&GNR but it does have a strong following and there are very few locos around which can claim M&GN pedigree. Again, it will all be down to money, motivation and organisation (and money again) but I think you might just ignite a spark for the M&GN enthusiasts out there. Any photos of what the original locomotive looked like?

I can't agree with your "standards" statement; new standard locos are the way ahead (yes they do look a bit "samey" but that's the idea!).

 

It needs to be preserved somehow , possibly Melton Constable built?

 

I'm interested in the idea, have an idea myself. but need to get a group together to make the project feasible if it is to see any form of light at the end of the tunnel

 

I think the more people who group together the merrier, the M&GN , a broader interest as they were Midland standard engines and it carried LNER lined black, too. It would be a better size for preserved railways than Bulleid Pacifics. The current NNR people are keen on building a B17, but for anyone less than 45 surely it's preserved railways that inspire; as older volunteers retire we need Professional Workers and commercialism sadly; the NNR should do well, a charity running this engine may well be a good thing. I'm trying to keep stoking interest up there's surely some more who would like to join in?

 

This sounds very interesting - as a Midland afficionado myself it would be nice to see a Johnson 4-4-0 'for real'.