IMR No.17 'Viking' diesel up for grabs, but for display only...

The Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters' chairman Bill Cubbon has release a statement saying that the Isle of Man Railway's diesel locomotive No.17 'Viking' has been offered to them for £2,600+VAT. However, the locomotive would be sold for no further use other than as a static exhibit. This covenant will apply even if the loco is sold on at some stage in the future. The German built loco is now over 50 years old and has been withdrawn from service due to major mechanical problems.

You can read the full statement here: Update On No. 17 Viking From The Chairman

The Isle of Man Railway have been looking for a replacement diesel has placed a contract to purchase a diesel locomotive from the U.S.A.


Picture: 'Viking' at Port Erin station a few summers ago...

 

Having read Bill Cubbon's statement I believe the IOMSRSA committee have made the right decision not to fund the purchase of No 17. I was very much in two minds before but the restriction on its restoration as a static exhibit only, and off-site, makes its retention rather pointless. I am sure certain people who invariably let their hearts rule their heads will disagree but I feel that the resources could be better utilised than keeping a 15 ton paperweight.Ray.

 

Any further details about that? Like the make and type of loco?

 

Just to clarify: does this "covenant" state that the loco can never be operated again on any, or merely that it can never again operate on the IMR? I can understand why, given that the loco had proved unsuitable for the IMR, the Department would not want her to run on their track again; but what motive would they have to stop her being operated on another railway?

I realise that there are very few places in the UK or Ireland where she could run and that, given the track damage she has caused on the IMR, few 3' gauge railways would now want her. Nevertheless, if she were to be regauged back to metre gauge and returned to Europe, would the Department object to her running there?

I ask this purely as an academic question - really, I agree with Ray that there are probably better things the money could be spent on.

 

My interpretation of the document was that it was not to be operated anywhere,even if you could source a replacement power unit. However, to be fair to No17 its reputation as a track basher came about by trying to run it at speeds for which it was never designed. Re- conversion from metre gauge - it's an oft quoted myth- the loco was built to 900mm gauge (roughly 3ft.) Ray

 

Could I ask if it was to be re-engined would the track bashing stop? As then it could be ideal for use on the Tralee and Blennerville railway?

 

How do you enforce something like that? Would the previous owners take the new ones to court if it were to run again?

 

I would imagine it's a result of all the controversy over buying a replacement, if it was repaired and put back into use elsewhere then questions would arise again over whether a replacement was really needed.

A similar situation apparently scotched (at least in part) a proposal to use withdrawn Merseyrail 503's on the Isle of Wight - the rolling stock had been declared 'life expired' to justify it's replacement so couldn't be refurbished for use elsewhere without raising awkward questions.

Chris

 

well lets take our example at the Tralee and Blennerville, we NEED motive power or we cannot open! Viking would be ideal to haul the stock on the railway, I think the fact that the IOMR government are saying it cant be sold for futue use anywhere says that it could easily be repaired!

 

Firstly No 17's reputation as a 'track basher' has nothing to do with its engine but everything to do with its short wheelbase, weight distribution and being driven at speeds for which it wasn't designed.
Secondly, as has already been pointed out, it was on offer as a static exhibit only - if anyone wants to waste their money testing it in the courts be my guest.
Thirdly I understand that a very substantial offer came from Germany some months ago and it is expected to go there.
I suggest that you look at one of your own peat industry locos. Ray.

 

I only suggested viking as it would be the only loco capable of hauling the spanish stock, a Bord na mona loco would be incapable too underpowered.

I have to laugh that no one will really mind Viking leaving the island (even though I understand about its poor engine and track bashing) considering the "comments" on the frames of tynwald and the cleminson coach leaving the island.

 

I have to laugh that no one will really mind Viking leaving the island (even though I understand about its poor engine and track bashing) considering the "comments" on the frames of tynwald and the cleminson coach leaving the island.[/QUOTE]

Actually that isn't true. You have been active on the IOMSRSA forum so cannot possibly have missed the long running thread on the subject of preserving 'Viking' . As it happens a group here even raised the money to purchase it but, with the increased offer from Germany have decided to give them first chance as it is more appropriate to them. Ray.

 

What is the nature of the problem with the diesel engine?