Bahamas

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Shop - The Bahamas Locomotive Society

 

I’ve just read in the latest KWVR mag that as part of the overhaul the loco will be fitted with air brakes.

 

Technically fitted with an air pump and combined brake valve for working air braked trains, the engine and tender will still be steam braked. I understand that the air pump will be located out of sight between the frames rather than under the driver’s seat as with 4871 and 5212. A sensible decision IMHO to future proof it as I’m sure the time will come when vacuum brakes are banned from the big railway.

 

Thanks for the detail.

 

We also have a Facebook page with pictures showing progress on the overhaul..

And of course a shop Shop - The Bahamas Locomotive Society any income from sales or donations helps with the overhaul or why not join us?

 

Out of interest, why do you think this? Granted the experience with Vacuum brakes is becoming more limited, but that is different from a ban? Surely as long as a train can be demonstrated to be stopped effectively, the method is not really a huge concern to railway inspectors. Not sure anyone has ever doubted the effectiveness of vacuum brakes.
Only air braked stock being available is probably more pressing than a vacuum ban - hence this work to Bahamas which will make it a very useful loco.

 

Vacuum brakes are certainly are effective, less complicated and easier to maintain than a two pipe air system although less efficient as the maximum braking force is limited to atmospheric pressure, about 15psi I think. The air brake train pipe is charged to 72.5 PSI ( 5 bar ). I could be wrong but the problem is if anything goes wrong on an unassisted steam tour where is the nearest vacuum braked rescue locomotive? When Bahamas went over Shap a diesel loco was one block behind it but to do that regularly would be rather expensive.

 

That is a fact John, certainly seems to have been a concern over the last 10 years but it must be getting on 30 years since last there were any dual braked diesel locos active, apart from those operated by WC and more latterly VT of course.
Perhaps the consequences of a train stranded in section have become more onerous so precautions need to be greater?