LNWR New Build

[Trafford Park]

There is a proposal in its early stages to build a new LNWR George V. The guy behind the idea is brucenixon@waitrose.com

[Coboman]

I really dont want to stir up a hornets nest or anything, but I realy do think there are now far too many newbuild projects about. A good number seem to have fallen by the wayside, or are in virtual stasis.

[Blink Bonny]

Be nice if it comes off. I like LNWR engines. They've got real style.

[S.A.C. Martin]

It's a shame when the enthusiasm dries up or the person behind the build dies - as has been the case with the B17 build sadly. I think they still have the cab extant somewhere for that.

RE the number of new builds, I don't think there's too many, but there's not enough well managed ones. The mould of Tornado isn't catching on, despite its every success. Problem is, "business" seems to be a dirty word in the preservation world at the minute, particularly where business acumen is concerned.

Saying that, we have a new steamrailmotor, a Brighton Atlantic doing nicely, and most of a G5 built. The Clan is recovering from a change of leadership (good luck to them) and there's a few more popping up here and there.

I do think there's a degree of reality to be felt with declaring "let's build a new steam engine!" but I would never dissuade anyone from trying. They said "you'd never build a Peppercorn A1" and "you'd never rebuild the Welsh Highland", after all...!

[Blink Bonny]

Indeed, I also recall that 71000 would never have new cylinders. 61264 would never have its boiler repaired. A similar comment was made against 45212, both engines suffering from cracks in the firebox shoulders. And as for KE1?

One thing Tornado has proven is that nothing is impossible given the right people in place. Right from the first chats over a pint or two, the Tornado crowd had engineers, business men and people who winkle cash out of pockets for charities.

As Simierski says, pity that other new build projects don't adopt the Tornado mould.

[LNER Fan 60008]

I think the new builds are great, it is just a shame so many original classes didn't make it.

[Marvin]

I'm sure everyone would like as many as possible of the new build projects to succeed, but the worries have to be:
a) are they all well run enough?
&
b) is there really enough money available for all the proposed projects?

Having said that, it's probably worth the OP mentioning this project here: http://newbuildsteam.com/

[kieranhardy]

b) is there really enough money available for all the proposed projects?

Doubtful, barry restorations struggle to get money as it is and rightfully they should deserve the restoration over a new build. Main problem is funding will become to split so a lot of groups will suffer.

That isn't to say i'm not looking forward to some of the new builds, the 3MT tank & Brighton Atlantic for example should be good but i do question the ideas behind some of them. The 47xx for example, great for GWR fans, but what is it going to do exactly? It's way too overkill for Didcots needs and the majority of heritage railways. The Clan is another odd one. Creating an express locomotive like that but not for the mainline.... seems a huge amount of money for a brand new 25mph pacific...

I do think there are way too many new build/part new build projects though, for example the 3MT tank, Brighton Atlantic, Clan, Patriot, Grange, Saint, County, P2, F5, G5, Claud Hamilton, B17's, 47xx (with didcot also interested in building a 4-4-0 County & 4-4-2 County tank after), BR 2-8-2 'Mikado' & the conversion of a 2MT 2-6-0 into a 2MT 2-6-2 tank.

And no doubt i've missed a few. Sorry but that is far too many when we have at least 70 barry wrecks waiting to rightfully steam. Safe to say a few of those new build projects probably wont succeed.

[coachmann]

I really dont want to stir up a hornets nest or anything,

Oh I don't think you need worry about that. New Builds are like limited editions, they garner far more interest than existing projects do. Afterall, if its a Barry scrap loco, it is ten to one it isn't unique. But suggest we build a LNWR George V and that's really something! I always imagine what a loco would look like thundering down a mainline or entering a station. A large passenger LNWR engine hasn't been seen since 1949 and so imagine one back in service.....The visual delight, the nostalgia, the sound of it barking away from a signal check or station.....Can't wait!

I just hope the builders remember to put in the middle bearing. The one the LMS removed so as to weaken the frames and make the lilley livered Compound look powerful...

[Bill Bedford]

That isn't to say i'm not looking forward to some of the new builds, the 3MT tank & Brighton Atlantic for example should be good but i do question the ideas behind some of them. The 47xx for example, great for GWR fans, but what is it going to do exactly? It's way too overkill for Didcots needs and the majority of heritage railways.

There is a theory that NR are much more likely to let new builds on to their metals than heritage machines, if only because reliability is less of an issue. This attitude may harden as more new builds are produced.

[kieranhardy]

That isn't to say i'm not looking forward to some of the new builds, the 3MT tank & Brighton Atlantic for example should be good but i do question the ideas behind some of them. The 47xx for example, great for GWR fans, but what is it going to do exactly? It's way too overkill for Didcots needs and the majority of heritage railways.

There is a theory that NR are much more likely to let new builds on to their metals than heritage machines, if only because reliability is less of an issue. This attitude may harden as more new builds are produced.

Problem is, at the end of the day it is still a steam locomotive. Even if it's new it will still suffer the same problems any other steam locomotive has, the main components are still the same. Tornado has shown signs of problems. During her operational periods many parts will be just as worn as any other locomotive, the only advantage she has is the new boiler & frames really but x amount of years down the line they would need as much work as Tangmere or Bittern for example.

You also quoted me when i mentioned the 47xx. I doubt very much a locomotive like that would go on the mainline, for starters its speed would be limited due to its wheel diameter plus it would no doubt be banned from many routes anyway.

[kieranhardy]

And now a J39....

http://www.wix.com/tclarke3nrm2011/j39locomotivetrust#!

No offence to younger people but some of the major new builds are struggling to succeed. How is this one going to do well with just 4 members that all appear to still be in school.... surely they would be better off joining an existing group and learning skills. They seem to have strong enthusiasm but i have to be honest, i wouldn't feel comfortable giving money to the people i'm seeing in those pictures no matter how trustworthy they may be.

[Bill Bedford]

You also quoted me when i mentioned the 47xx. I doubt very much a locomotive like that would go on the mainline, for starters its speed would be limited due to its wheel diameter plus it would no doubt be banned from many routes anyway.

The wheel diameter is 5'8" ie the same size as a Grange and bigger than a K1 K4 and 9F, as for being banned from routes, this I doubt it would have a wider route availability than any of the pacifics or the P2.

[LNER Fan 60008]

Seems like the Brighton Atlantic has stalled (which is a shame).

http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/blueb ... /atlantic/

[Blink Bonny]

I agree, 60008. There's something about Atlantics. Owzabout a Jersey Lilly?