What should the NRM steam next?

Given the constraints on finance for the forseeable future, maybe it has to be an engine that either is in relatively good order, or will at least find ready use as an hire-out loco, earning its keep. In terms of mechanical condition it might be "luck of the draw" with engines like 42500, which presumably was preserved simply as the first of the class, not necessarily the one in the best overall condition? At 92 tons it might be a bit heavy for some Heritage lines as well.
I'll go with the Midland Compound as my choice. I agree overall though about seeing more 4-4-0s returned to steam if at all possible.

 

Has anyone started counting the votes yet?
It would be interesting to see what is being nominated and the number of votes so far ...

 

As a Southern fan it has to be 737 or 33001. I don't think there are that many of us left who can remember what a 'D' sounds like on the mainline and it certainly has a bark all of its own. The Q1 is a unique design and should be in use around the preserved railway systems, preferably in the South where it belongs.

Other preferences would be the Midland Compound and 42500. I'd love to see the compound on the mainline again and how useful would that tank be around the heritage railways?

 

Come to think of it, the Epping-Ongar guys have a pound or two - perhaps the NRM could form a partnership to restore the Buckjumper? Would be perfect for the line.

Chris

 

Some of us really are awaiting the results of your 'negotiations are underway' post a while back. If you're restoring Shannon, why not go for Gazelle as well? It would be perfect for everything, as long as everything consists of driver experience on the KESR.

 

Without having anything better to do on a wet Sunday afternoon, here are the leaders so far (with 3 or more votes each) ...

Votes Name

8 MR Compound 1000
6 LNER V2 4771 "Green Arrow"
5 SECR D 737
3 LMS Coronation 6229 "Duchess of Hamilton"
3 BR 9F 92220
3 Dean Goods 2516

 

Thanks for reminding me of the facts. I'd remembered that it had no superheater elements and ran in that state for the Plant Centenarian but couldn't remember the detail behind it, especially the slide valve cylinders. If that's the case putting back the superheating isn't going to be the best idea.

 

eithe green arrow, or the C1 atlantic.

 

Regarding 251 - there was a verydifferent attitude to preservation then, hence it's incredibly thorough restoration to something approximating 'as built' condition - pretty much everything, including the frames, was replaced if I remember correctly.

I'm glad that this thread has proved so popular without getting unpleasant - there have been some good suggestions, including engines that I have overlooked - I'd dearly like to see some Edwardian splendour on the rails in the form of 737 and 673. I think I'll stick with my three though - 990 and 1008 as 'wouldn't it be nice...' and 2500 as a real contender for getting out there, flying the NRM flag and doing some useful work. Preferably based on my home line...

 

4472?

 

Hamilton, no question!

 

If the NRM were considering bring another loco back in to working order again. Maybe one of the magazines/Nat Pres could run a poll with a short list of possible contenders from the NRM for us to vote for.

 

ifthe post was changed to, what will the NRM steam next, then thats easy in the following order, 4472 followed by 925 next year and i should imagine the stanier tank in about another 3years?

 

I think it has to be the Q1 and hopefully being not to costly a option and being able to earn its keep on the larger preserved lines

 

Personally the LSWR T3, one of the most beautiful machines in the collection. Though I'd settle for the Wainwright D!

Amongst other things, it would be interesting to see things running that have no equivalent or near equivalent, so we could learn and experience something new. So that would include the MR Compound and the Stirling single - how magnificent would that be, with the great sweep of its connecting rods and the stately rotation of those great driving wheels?

Tom

 

Hamilton, Midland Compound, Green Arrow, Stanier tank, The T3....can I carry on?!!
Ever since I experienced the most spine tingling and storming run up to Bewdley tunnel behind her on a rake of LNER teaks, i've always hoped for Green Arrow's problems to be resolved and her turn to come again quickly, but sadly it was not to be. The sound of that run and the acceleration past the Safari Park will however remain with me forever.

 

I think my list would have to be: 2516 Dean Goods, Shannon, 1000 Midland Compound, 990 'Henry Oakley' and 'Lode Star'. Although I could go on!..

 

Can anyone provide an up-to-date list of the NRM's locos:

a) in use mailine/heritage railways only
b) under overhaul
c) residing away from York and Shildon

I should think the list is really quite impressive - has the NRM ever had so many locos out and about in steam at any one time before?

 

I see that the Dean Goods is repeatedly coming up on here. If you take it one step further, then what is the opportunity of building a new Dean Goods? After all, if the 82045 team can build a new locomotive for the 21st century, then it seems reasonable to go down that road. Add to that, you have an example to work from. Just like 82045, its ideal for preserved lines.

It shares a lot of common components with a 57xx/8750 pannier, and don't tell me they aren't wearing out....

Ian

 

I can, but not today, just back from Great Dorset Steam Fair and having some family time before back at work tomorrow.