Which loco would you like to see restored from the NRM?

kitspackman · Post by **kitspackman** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:19 am

220389,

220389 wrote:Would like to see 1000 back into service but how about the APT-E?

You'll be lucky..........

I know this is months after you posted this but I just ran a search on 'APT-E' in the forum.

When APT-E, hereafter called 'E-Train' 'cos that's what we called it at the RTC back in the '70s, was moved to Shildon some years ago now, we were hoping to carry on the restoration work started in the NRM Yard at York in 2000. But even though the Support Group still exists in theory, we can't do anything to E-Train because there's no workshop facilities at Shildon as yet. This will be remedied but even then working with Joe Public all around in the Museum will not be easy.

Unless we had a VAST supply of money there just isn't the will to restore E-Train to running condition on the NRM's part, nor the knowledge either. I'm the only member of the original APT team who's actively involved in the Support Group and I don't know enough about traction or gas turbines or brakes etc. We'd need experts in those fields to stand a chance of moving her again.

But the biggest problem would be Network Rail's attitude I'm sure. I just can't see them allowing what is still the longest loco to run on BR ever to run again under its own power. OK, so we towed the two Power Cars across the main line when we moved her to Shildon but that was only 5-10 mph.

Lovely idea, but I severely doubt there's a hope in h**l.

Regards
Kit
(ex-Tilt System Development Engineer, APT-E)

220389 · Post by **220389** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 11:45 am

that's a bummer, but we all know what network rails attudie is for preserved stock don't we

daandmda · Post by **daandmda** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:03 pm

Top on my list is 4468, deffinitely. She is a prime example of British engineering and holds the WORLD RECORD for steam speed, so she should not be a monument, she should be living. I love the MR and GNR Victorian trains that are sitting with their coaches in the old part of the museum (am I right in saying that the MR one is 1000? And the GNR one is Stirling Single?), and also, Black 5 number 5000 should be returned to steam, but kept in the livery she's in. Evening Star should most deffinitely be back in steam, and though not a steam engine (though there is the clag) I think DP-1 should be back in 'steam', I know she's sitting at Shildon, but it's basically a shed for NRM overspill. Unless I did mention it earlier, GNR Stirling Single and MR 2P Compound 1000. That LYR tank that I forget the number of, probably Lode Star (not the best looking GW loco, but she's nice) and there's probably another few I've forgotten, but oh well!

arabiandisco · Post by **arabiandisco** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:26 pm

The fact that Mallard is the fastest kettle ever ensures it will be a static exhibit forever more. It's far too valuable to risk putting a fire in it. That and it's got a knackered firebox!

I'd love to see E5001 run again.

daandmda · Post by **daandmda** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 9:08 pm

arabiandisco wrote:The fact that Mallard is the fastest kettle ever ensures it will be a static exhibit forever more. It's far too valuable to risk putting a fire in it. That and it's got a knackered firebox!

Put a new firebox in? Surely Ian Riley would be willing, he's doing Scotsman's boiler up. Plus, if we try her, if it nackers her, we'll be no worse of than we are now.

BR7MT · Post by **BR7MT** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 9:13 pm

daandmda wrote:
arabiandisco wrote:The fact that Mallard is the fastest kettle ever ensures it will be a static exhibit forever more. It's far too valuable to risk putting a fire in it. That and it's got a knackered firebox!
Put a new firebox in? Surely Ian Riley would be willing, he's doing Scotsman's boiler up. Plus, if we try her, if it nackers her, we'll be no worse of than we are now.

But at what cost? The NRM will have an operating Gresley pacific in the shape of Flying Scotsman, therefore the chances of seeing Mallard steaming again are very small.

For a start there is the small matter of it not being on display to visitors to the museum when on main line tours. Besides which there are 3 other operational A4s in this country, with barely enough work for them.

Regards,

Dan

daandmda · Post by **daandmda** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 9:14 pm

BR7MT wrote:
daandmda wrote:
arabiandisco wrote:The fact that Mallard is the fastest kettle ever ensures it will be a static exhibit forever more. It's far too valuable to risk putting a fire in it. That and it's got a knackered firebox!
Put a new firebox in? Surely Ian Riley would be willing, he's doing Scotsman's boiler up. Plus, if we try her, if it nackers her, we'll be no worse of than we are now.
But at what cost? The NRM will have an operating Gresley pacific in the shape of Flying Scotsman, therefore the chances of seeing Mallard steaming again are very small.

For a start there is the small matter of it not being on display to visitors to the museum when on main line tours. Besides which there are 3 other operational A4s in this country, with barely enough work for them.

Regards,

Dan

Maybe take her out once in a blue moon? I mean, the public would much rather see Scottie, and she's out alot.

arabiandisco · Post by **arabiandisco** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 9:20 pm

Mallard came out in 1988 for a couple of years (50 years since it did approximately 126mph). The 75th anniversary is 2013, and FS should still have a ticket then, so 2038 is the next logical possibility. And by then, who knows... (Who knows what the world will be like in 2013, for that matter!).

Personally I'd wrap it in cotton wool and never let it out from York.

Evening star will probably never steam again, nor will Green Arrow once this ticket runs out, so get it while you can! 34051 will never steam again either.

daandmda · Post by **daandmda** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 9:56 pm

arabiandisco wrote:Mallard came out in 1988 for a couple of years (50 years since it did approximately 126mph). The 75th anniversary is 2013, and FS should still have a ticket then, so 2038 is the next logical possibility. And by then, who knows... (Who knows what the world will be like in 2013, for that matter!).

Personally I'd wrap it in cotton wool and never let it out from York.

Evening star will probably never steam again, nor will Green Arrow once this ticket runs out, so get it while you can! 34051 will never steam again either.

No...more...Green Arrow?!?!?!?!?

*goes in search of railtour fun*