South Coast Steam and S160 3278

That would have a significant impact on most standard gauge heritage railways as SCS supply an awful lot of the non-ferrous bits and pieces required for steam locos.

 

Anyone know which locos are currently on the Isle?

 

If there are shortly three S160s in operation I would think it would be the first time since wartime that this has been the case. I suppose it is just possible that three just overlapped for a short while around 10-12 years ago, but I'm not convinced!

 

Cosmetic restoration by the new owner. Once the work is completed, 2253 will be leaving the NYMR and is not expected to return.

 

Which is a real pity. 2253 is well suited to the NYMR. Certainly, a lot better than 3672 (Dame Vera Lynn). I, for one, hope that those behind this decision back track.

 

It's especially surprising when you consider how well 6046 went down with visitors last year.

 

Unfortunatly there is a lot of "not from here" with UK preservationists, I like the S160's, and hope that 3278 has a n active career at its new home, where ever that is, one place i think would be a good home for one ,once it gets it's extention finished is the RVR, ideal loco, light axle loading, plenty of coal and water space , and more than able to take 5 mk1's up tenterden bank. ok, the board won't like it because its not british, and its big, but it would do the job far better than anything else they might have either right now, or in the future.

 

Kind of ironic that just as the Iron curtain is raising, the fleet of American steam locos operational is increasing..

 

And this http://www.kesr.org.uk/stock-register/steam-locomotives/no-19-norwegian

 

the USA Tanks are not exactly well thought of because of their very limited coal bunker, the Norwegian whist being fairly powerful can only manage 4 mk1s at a push, it has very fragile frames and because of that has to be managed carefully. where as something like an S160 would manage anything, but i think that if someone who owned one would ask, can i base it on your line the answer would be its too big,

 

If that's a significant problem then perhaps a GWR style bunker extension is in order...Built it without the GWR curves and it shouldn't look too Western.
I haven't found a weight diagram on line to explore whether its actually practical.

Apologies to the KESR for abusing their photo...

 

I'm slightly surprised that the KESR hasn't (presumably) shown an interest in 'Spartan,' which I would think would be ideal for the line.

 

Well the Norwegian 2-6-0 isn't exactly British and they seem to like it.

 

Although not British built the S160's have a big history in the UK and a lot of people either don't know or don't appreciate it.

The more railways that we took 5197 to the more that people said that it was the BR standard that was never built!

 

S160's are wasted on 5 coach trains upwards of 6 make them worthwhile and earning there keep hence why both the CVR s160's spend most of the year on other lines because they are very accessible and run very comfortably at 25mph and despite there size have a very efficient boiler design. I think the reason for them becoming popular is because with a few changes to breaking systems and making a more brishish cab setup they are very good locos in there own right where in the 80's and 90's they were just used as a quick source of motive power while barry restorations took place but since 5197 and 6046 have been flying the flag for the class they have been given a good reputation. Idealy the MNR should have one plus you can use them with anything and paint them what the owner likes and you can improve them too but the KESR is not the right place for one the gwr 062 is the correct size for the line .
many thanks
Patrick

 

South Coast Steam were in business 10 days ago, I purchased Washout plugs from them

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