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Will standard gauge steam railways ever be able to order a new loco ?

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by toplight, Jul 21, 2017.

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  1. The Green Howards

    The Green Howards Nat Pres stalwart

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    OTOH, it's their quirky appearance that appeals to me...
     
    The Green Howards, Jul 22, 2017
    #21
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  2. Big Dave

    Big Dave Member

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    They look alright to me too, nice business like medium/small engine.
     
    Big Dave, Jul 22, 2017
    #22
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  3. 1472

    1472 Well-Known Member

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    The standard gauge movement simply isn't short of suitable existing locos - it is though getting very short of serviceable ones. That is in contrast to the UK narrow gauge scene where there simply were not enough suitable locos in existence for service requirements necessitating new builds, something which is rather more affordable in narrow gauge.

    So "trainspotting" aside there simply isn't a need to build yet more SG locos to operate heritage line services when there a plenty of candidates around needing repairs costing a fraction of the cost of a new loco and spending which need not all necessarily come at once. Folk too easily write off/generalise over the condition of ex Barry locos and locos of considerable age but each needs to be viewed on its actual condition.

    The issue though may be one of ownership & you need not look far to find moribund owning groups who cling to ownership despite that not being the best future for their locomotive. That unfortunately can stand in the way of progress and redistribution of basically good locos to lines which need them.
     
    1472, Jul 22, 2017
    #23
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  4. JEB-245584

    JEB-245584 Member

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    My thoughts exactly. Well put.
     
    JEB-245584, Jul 22, 2017
    #24
  5. coalboy

    coalboy New Member

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    The only locomotive capable of doing all that a heritage railway requires is a GWR 2-8-0 tank engine. Providing, of course, that the railway is not too long. Comments on a postcard!!!
     
    coalboy, Aug 4, 2017
    #25
  6. Hermod

    Hermod Member

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    To keep cost down:
    4 feet drivers
    Round top boiler with welded steel wide firebox
    Outside valve gear
    Copper capped chimney
     
    Hermod, Aug 4, 2017
    #26
  7. NSWGR 3827

    NSWGR 3827 New Member

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    A 9F is too big for any Line if you ask Me.
     
    NSWGR 3827, Aug 5, 2017
    #27
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  8. Gav106

    Gav106 Well-Known Member

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    If a BR standard class 4 is the perfect engine according to PH, how about the Fowler 2-6-4t. And to attract Joe public you can paint it LMS crimson lake. Cheaper boiler as it's a very simple one to construct but very good loco.
     
    Gav106, Aug 5, 2017
    #28
  9. 242A1

    242A1 Well-Known Member

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    A standard gauge version of "Abigail", you won't need the wide box though. Check out the work of Ian Gaylor.
     
    242A1, Aug 5, 2017
    #29
  10. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    More to the point though what about some brand new boilers?
     
    johnofwessex, Aug 5, 2017
    #30
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  11. Hermod

    Hermod Member

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    Wide fireboxes are lower mass,have wider waterspaces,longer stays,less stay trouble.Over 4 feet drivers easely possible in UK.
     
    Hermod, Aug 5, 2017
    #31
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