New Build Claud Hamilton

We aim to build and operate a standard gauge 4-4-0 D16/2 "Claud Hamilton" steam locomotive No.8783 to be named "Lady Hamilton" and dedicated to James Holden who became Locomotive Superintendent at the Great Eastern Railway in July 1885. Our locomotive will incorporate fully sealed and self lubricating roller bearings as well as a lempor ejector to give greater efficiency and reduce maintanence costs.

The locomotive will be numbered 8783, this was the number given to one of two Claud Hamiltons allocated to Royal Train duties. Although 8783 was never named we will be naming the new build "Lady Hamilton".
The loco will be used primarily on heritage railways.

We will be holding two public meetings this spring/summer to see if theres enough interest for the project to go ahead where you can come along, hear about our plans and ask us questions about the project. The dates, times and locations will be announced shortly.

Visit our website for more details:
http://claudhamiltongroup.webs.com/

 

What an excellent idea and a locomotive which would fill a real gap in preservation. I only hope there is sufficient interest and organisational skills to make this dream a reality as, in the current economic climate, unless you have a very good fund-raising machine together with a number of wealthy backers the project will get nowhere, but I guess you already know that! I regret that I can't support it financially as I have already chosen 82045 and the "Unknown Warrior" Patriot projects but that doesn't mean to say that there are no people out here with money to spend on this handsome 4-4-0. Good Luck!

 

Do you intend Lady Hamilton to double head with Lord Nelson one day?

 

If that means more people will contribute then a 4-4-0 from each of the big 4 heading a train will not be out of the question :thumb:

 

To achieve that you'll need an LMS 4-4-0 as we already have an LNER 4-4-0 - 246 Morayshire - two GWR 4-4-0s and SR Schools in running order.

 

Well, there is the midland compound 1000, not much different between that and the LMS version.

 

This is a great little project that will hopefully succeed, so glad to be appart of it.

 

..wouldnt this thread be better off moved to 'Steam Traction'?

 

True but what are the chances of that steaming again?

 

Sounds like a great plan but.....theres so many new build projects around at the moment, one wonders if this project can generate enough interest to be viable? I really hope you do!

 

Yes, good point. I'm sure a saturation point will be reached sooner rather than later. Good luck with this project though.

 

why not put money into the Midland Compound and get that up and running.I loved the Clauds but The Compound double heading with a jubilee on a "Thames Clyde Express" on the midland where there are no wires now I would put money into that.

 

We will be holding public meetings this spring/summer to see if theres enough interest for the project before we start building anything. One thing ive always been told is that you dont know if somthings possible until you try, the Clauds were very popular and handsome locomotives when in service and a missing loco in preservation, and missed by those who used to see/work on them.

 

I hope you succeed. Never saw one but it looks a lovely loco class that I would travel far to see!

 

is it just going to be a fixed D16/2 with belpaire firebox and side plates as per the GER built them or would it be able to be converted into a D16/3 from time to time as LNER(?) rebuilt them with the round top firebox and removel of the side plates?

 

Maybe I've misunderstood what you're saying, but are you suggesting that they build 2 different boilers? Might be a touch on the (very) expensive side if that's what you meant!


Keith

 

I personally think the best livery was the GER royal blue, hope you suceed though

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2321801 (Pic shows a D16/3 but you get the idea)

 

Well, we cant get to bogged down with power practicality. We are here to make a show, build something spectacual and build something that people will enjoy looking at.
We cant just build these "Tornado, the G5, Standard 3MT and Railmotor 93" or we would end up with the same thing all the time.

Thanks dace.