Next New Build to be completed

I don't know, the stories I have came from the Trials drivers and inspectors from Swindon Shed and Works when my old man worked inside in the late 50's and early 60's.

 

Understand it rode better on the curves than the 2-6-2s did

 

Your wish is my command!

 

When I used to work at Arley in the mid to late '90's we had a gent who I think was either ex Stafford Road or Oxley, and without fail when asked what his favorite loco's were would unhesitating reply 'the Granges' . But as Martin says it depends on who you ask.

 

Going back to the thread title, it seems to me Lyn is closest to completion at the moment, is that correct?

 

I would guess that the candidates for next completed are probably Lyn, 2999, 6880, Beachy Head, 45551, NER G5 0-4-4 tank. Don't know what order

 

It was finished in 1925, though as its a non-working replica I'm no sure if it counts.

 

From what I've heard 2999 may not be next - its boiler needs some more work to correct an error. I think the G5 may be the dark horse in the race.

 

Several new builds are now "relatively close" to completion, however:
"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." (Eccl 9.11)

 

I suspect the concept of a "race" is more an enthusiast / journalistic construct than something those directly engaged feel they are actively involved in. "It will be ready when it's ready". I don't suppose any given loco will be suddenly less interesting by virtue of becoming the third rather than the second standard gauge new build.

Tom

 

It also occurs to me that, given the new kid in town principle, it could be positively disadvantageous to be first if second is close behind.

 

Film Star
PH

 

The axle load on Lyn was 10 tons with fully equalized suspension compared to 6 tons un-equalized for the 2-6-2s. However the first 3 locos were very heavy at the back with a lot of weight on the trailing truck and rear driving axle. When the 4th 2-6-2 was built they got rid of the rear bunker and on Lyd the cab is made of aluminium to further reduce this problem. It is still quite back heavy though, and very prone to slipping. On paper Lyn was only marginally more powerful than the others but i believe it was capable of pulling an extra coach. I suspect the shorter wheelbase made it more popular with the Pway too.

Tim

 

I had always presumed that the 2-6-2- wheel arrangement brought with it adhesion problems. With the supremely lively es-Sierra Leone "85" it was necessary, after spring changes etc. to ensure the weights on the wheels were adjusted to conform with the manufacturers specifications. Even if they were so adjusted it was not steaming capacity or general "oomph" (both astonishing) which limited haulage capacity but adhesion. It would be intriguing to match "Lyd" or "Lyn" against "Russell". The latter design (like the "big boilered" S.L.R., type) has less adhesion than the others.

PH

 

Sorry, yes I did mean Saint.

 

Talking of which, hows the Saint coming along? Any updates?

 

Last GWS Echo said the Saint boiler overhaul is complete and it passed a non-official hydraulic test in October, and they are working on boiler cladding and all sorts of other bits and pieces.

 

I think its great that the Grange/ Saint/ Counties(?) / Nightowl etc are happening, but cant reconcile rearranging standardised GWR components with 'new build'.
If it hasn't had new frames cut... its rebuild, not new build,

 

Question is if you go down that route does a loco that has its frames replaced then become new build?

Not arguing that they are not rebuilds as I would class the saint as more of a rebuild rather than newbuild.