New Build Claud Hamilton

Indeed, very true. I would imagine that the NNR would benefit from an historically and geographically "correct" loco which, although brand new, would represent an era now gone. Although there has been much discussion regarding what the Claud Hamilton Team must do before they start their task of building a lost example of GER steam, one thing that they must have is an action plan based upon an income/interest/support scheme. Claud Hamiltons were originally built to pull trains not to appease a minority of people who happen to appreciate our railway history so the team needs to do some maths and gauge public support first - something they have started already it seems. If every mention of the Claud resulted in a £25 donation to their fund then, according to this thread alone, they would be off to a good start! There would indeed appear to be interest in this locomotive new build and, provided things continue at the same level (never easy to ascertain-especially when Europe's finances are in such a mess) then it does have a chance. Time will tell. One thing is not in doubt, a lot of people would welcome the return of a Claud - its a question of capability and affordability (all right that's 2 questions!).

 

I was thinking this myself about the £25 donation each time it gets a mention not a bad idea indeed .I do support the "Unknown Warrior" as I am likely to see this running in my life time as much as I like the Claud project I will be long gone in the great firebox before this even gets a boiler .

 

I'm sure it's more than that - they managed to raise a very large sum in a very short amount of time. Admittedly, they need more now - your timely reminder will result in me getting the wallet, moths and all, out later...

 

Attaching a new-build project to a heritage railway with huge membership figures is only so useful. 82045 is on a railway with about 13,000 members, but less than 10% of those members are involved financially or otherwise in the project.

 

Given the facilities that the SVR have, 82045 is probably being built at the best place to do the job. As the loco progresses, more people will take an interest. If the Claud is to be assembled at the NNR, then they too have plenty of locomotive experience and facilities.

 

Very true, but the point that a large railway will mean a large membership is not one that has rung true so far.

 

What i mean is that having a railway with large membership is an added help. Because your there, some (and im not saying anywhere near all) will join just because your on their railway. For instance SVR did a raffle and it raised 12K for 82045 through SVR's members. So these benifits help. Easy access i believe helps. ie somewhere thats open more than others because it helps for people to see the progress. Yet again im going to take 82045 as its so easy for anyone to go and see all there hard work. But So is 45551 and 6880 at Llangollen and The ones at Didcot. But if you were to look at Hengist (sorry guys) because there is no base at the moment (hopefully sorted soon) People cant see what there paying into. If that makes sense. And Less than 10% of 13,000 is huge. Churnet Valley railway only has 800 members. So SVR is so lucky.

I am only giving my opinion on how to help the Claud Guys. Please dont think im telling them how to run there own group. Everyones comments will hopfully help the project find its feet and Actually Build the loco.

Gav

 

As it has been said, It would be great to build at a base where so many members could support the group. We do hope once the build has been completed that it will be based at NNR. But the build is not likely to happen there. Currently NNR has a few locos under overhaul, and then obviusly shed space for repairs/maintenance of the running fleet and we do not want to take valuable space away from them, mainly because of the bigger locos they now have to - Black Prince and B12 and George Stephenson next year. The B17 group was based at NNR untill this year. We are having talks about where to build. Im sure once we get the plans from NRM soon, we will then have time to discuss this in great detail.
We appreciate everyones help and suggestions. Thank you.

 

How many drawings do the NRM have for the Claud?. I assume that they are all Stratford Works drawings.

 

Yes they are. I spend a good 2-3 hours looking for all the records in the drawings list. Must be about 300 at a guess. That was just the D16 and not 14 or 15.

A small team have recently researched and gathered the complete set of records for the claud.

 

Hello all, 8783 "Phoenix" has been twinned! you can read more about it here along with some other news: http://www.wix.com/claudhamiltonlocogro/phoenix#!news

 

Very good. But are you sure that their world famous railway is really called the "Buffing Billy"??

ound:

 

Always have someone else proof read before posting. Sometimes it's not always possible of course. Mistakes happen from time to time.

Looks like the groundwork for the project is coming along.

 

Thank you all for the kind comments and thanks to George for doing the website and everyone else for their hard work so far!

 

After ALOT of issues we are now able to take online payments via paypal (that work). Please go to http://www.wix.com/claudhamiltonlocogro/phoenix#!support-us and donate as little or as much as you like to help see phoenix completed!

 

Id Just like to thank everyone for their donnations so far! The NRM trip is looming and there are drawings to be paid for!
Chris

 

Please keep an eye on our website, exciting news coming soon! http://www.claudhamiltonlocomotivegroup.co.uk/

 

A couple of us visited the NRM - York last weekend and went throught drawings of the Claud Hamiltons, we will soon receive copies of ones we wish to have for now, others will be bought at a later date.
We would like to pass on our thanks to the Staff at the NRM for the hospitality shown to us throughout the weekend.

The CHLG also now has a logo, this can be viewed on the website http://www.claudhamiltonlocomotivegroup.co.uk/

Membership will be released on 1st January 2012

 

What are your views for the Claud to run on the mainline?

It would be unsuitable for long distance charters, however it would be more than capable to haul mainline charters on 'short distence' charters such as London - Norwich on the Great Eastern Mainline.