John Bunch & his locos currently based on the Mid Hants

Me likewise. Look at the 42859 thread (under "Steam traction.") Like other members of the forum, I hope that the sad saga of this engine comes to a happy end, but the point I would like to make is that even if the bits of 42859 are salvaged and someone does eventually take on its restoration, returning 31874 to steam must be a far simpler (and cheaper) task by comparison. Furthermore, the likelihood of the only surviving "N" class attracting a buyer commited to returning it to working order must surely be much greater than for the third crab, which must be far more of a "rusting hulk" than 31874.

 

Andrew, the cosmetic restoration of 31874 is better than nothing I guess, and I agree with you that anything is restorable though it depends how deep the pockets are of the benefactors.

Happy new year
chris

 

Where was that said then ?, I can't recall anything departing when 34053 arrived.

 

I doubt most of those still left in Barry Condition would be much better, they have been left as effectively bottom of the pile for a reason and the extra years in that condition won't of helped.

 

Indeed, an 8F probably woulden't interest those with a Mainline interest for a start (before someone says what about 48151, it doesn't seem much use on congested routes where higher speed is needed), and if it's the one I'm thinking of, it has very little if any UK Pedigree, which does make a difference in some peoples eyes.

Mechanical condition apart, the JB loco's are all very useful types, not too big for most lines, not hopelessly underpowered either and the 5 and WC are mainline suitable.

I doubt they'll all go to the same place mind, who can take on 5 loco's in one go ?.

 

Which preservation groups are complaining that they have insufficient steam engines and which types in JB's 'stud' are unique, thus providing a preservation need?

 

As this is a thread about 73096 I thought I would post my Dad's video of her in happier days running on the main line back in 2003, he is going through his old tapes and putting on the computer, this video has made it to Youtube...

Std Class 5 no 73096 at Falmer & Wivelsfield 13th July 2003 - YouTube

 

The class "N" mogul is unique - the others ("U", Std 5, WC) have sisters elsewhere in preservation.

Amongst the larger lines which could realistically make good commercial use of locos that size (NYMR, SVR, Bluebell, MHR, WSR, GWSR etc etc - apologies if your favourite line isn't mentioned), most are essentially in a position where they can't restore the engines they have quickly enough, rather than being short of engines per se. To take the Bluebell as an example, if we had a spare few hundred thousand knocking about and the choice between buying another couple of non-running engines, or increasing workshop space / capacity, then increasing workshop capacity would win hands down any day. I suspect most other larger lines are in the same boat.

Tom

 

Deleted, mis-read post.

 

Think 34073 that went elsewhere to provide spares for "Tangmere"?

(I think that is the right number)?

Regards
Chris:

 

thanks for posting that Ashley, was generally a great trip that day, bottom part of falmer bank was very impressive as the boiler was a bit full so crossing the a27 she was at walking pace, so lifting 10 & a37 was very good work. She really flew up from Lewes to wivielsfield, and then over the junction up through Haywards heath she was really motoring, again with that load was quite something, but then most runs with 73096 were very special.

 

Isn't 34053 just a hired in loco? - not part of the resident fleet.

 

Went to the ELR a few years ago. A big shame I was always looking forward to seeing 34073 running on MHR metals. But alas not to be. I take 34073 is still for sale. Will anyone take his project on? Maybe a go candidate for the NRM to put on display. To explain the start of railway preservation and how Barry scrap yard was a major factor in today's railway preservation. This subject seems to get over looked at the NRM. But we need to explain this to the man on the street when visiting the NRM.

 

There is a partially restored Barry wreck at the NRM already, 35029. I am certain there are photos and text about its history, adjacent to the loco.

 

But maybe if people could see a complete Barry hulk next to a restored loco they would understand how much work is involved in restoring a loco. Plus it's also another way of saving another loco from possibly being broken up in the future and with a bit of luck the NRM could one day restore 34073 back in to working order. Because I can't see anyone else coming forward to buy the loco and restoring it.

 

York doesnt have any money lee, its highly likily that the collection will be sold and broken up , moved to different locations. i add not broken as reduced to spares, remember the WD, he sold that to buy 41312, and so on, so its possible that if he has intensions to restore 73, then he will sell off engines to finance it, i cant see him selling his share in tangmere, if he still has it? then there is the question of 35018, he is well known for buying engines and on paper they belong to his family or inlaws , , the N and one of the U's were on paper held in trust to his son James, and his Daughter, so the engines might not be his to sell come 2014,

 

Not really what most people would think of as "partially restored Barry wreck" though, is it? To most casual viewers, they would consider it pristine condition, but cut away. So it doesn't really serve to represent the state of many of the locos on our preserved railways before restoration, which I think is the logical reason why people suggest having a Barry wreck in the NRM, so as to tell an important preservation-era railway story.

There is a Barry wreck in the Steam Museum in Swindon; however, it has been cosmetically restored a bit to represent a loco in the process of construction, which is logical given the museum's location and purpose, but doesn't tell the "Barry" story.

Tom

 

All this talk about JB giving a loco to the NRM collection is just a lot of wishfull thinking by a few people, why should he "give" a loco to the NRM he had to pay for the loco"s he has why should he just give a loco, the NRM has had numerous chances of starting a fund to rescue a barry loco, the collection they have now were donated by a professional body years ago, why now should individuals give them loco"s would you if you were in JB"s shoes i think not.

 

I don't think anyone has said he should donate a loco to the NRM.