CarterUSM
Established Member
That's a real shame. I'll try and pop out at some point and have a wee look, i'm intrigued by the steam locos though, i wonder which company they belonged to?
It would be good to see one of each distinct class properly preserved. So a Class 313, but perhaps a choice between 314/315 as (I am probably wrong here) they are essentially the same. Equally a 142 and a 143 or 144.
*** the controversial bit ***
What I would not like to see is a repeat of the situation we got with the Bulleid Pacifics and Class 50s where a much higher proportion of the class was saved than its importance justified, simply because the supply was there. If, instead of putting loads of money into buying and restoring yet another 37, enthusiasts (for example) set about creating a stretch of electrified route, or negotiating in advance for a 90 or 60. Resources are scarce. This is not only money, but volunteer effort, technical expertise, sheer space. But, most important of all, public interest can be deflated. A really rare outing by a well-preserved unique locomotive beats yet another run by a shabby 47 any day.
Now, really, can you have too many Bulleid pacifics?
Now, really, can you have too many Bulleid pacifics?
That's a real shame. I'll try and pop out at some point and have a wee look, i'm intrigued by the steam locos though, i wonder which company they belonged to?
We need one example of every class to be preserved. It would be a shame to see any class become completely extinct, however good or bad they were on the mainline.
Don't get me wrong I am all for preservation, one thing what I always wonder is lets say in in 80 years time, where will the room be for all these preserved units/locos?
Don't get me wrong I am all for preservation, one thing what I always wonder is lets say in in 80 years time, where will the room be for all these preserved units/locos?
Doesn't this just highlight the problem? Someone, with the very best intentions, thinks "Let's save that", then, from the sound of it runs out of money, assistance - all the resources needed to do a proper job - and something unique and worthwhile is lost. Meanwhile, round the UK, large numbers of other groups are trying to "save" yet another Class nn or yy because it has become available. Several of these projects also end in failure for the same reasons.
There is a limited amount of money, space, skill and manpower available. There is also a limited amount of public interest in the end product. Limited supply and limited demand. This is crying out for organisation and co-ordination. Otherwise, the country is going to be flooded with half-preserved 37s and nothing else:roll:
but with current trends the proportion of a class of loco that is preserved is also going to keep increasing,
As a result, there may not be enough traction to work all the preserved lines. Diesel can fill the gap, but will tourists want to travel behind a 37 or an 08? I don't think preservation is going to disappear, but steam can't go on forever, something has to step in.
'Networkers' (Classes 165, 166, 365, 465, 466) These are my personal favorite type of trains (Class 465s espicially!) and show the improvements over the units they replaced (Sorry EPB, your still brilliant though!).
Tourists would want to travel behind an 08, seriously?
I definately agree with the networkers (although mine is the 365, I used to travel on them almost every day when they did Victoria - Dover / Ramsgate), although I'm not keen on the front of the 365s they looked better when they had the current 465 fronts! I think that these would probably still be running by then though! (466001 or 365501!)
I would also like to see HSTs, as well as a 373 (they are bound to be changed at some point!, although no one seems to want to preserve DMUs or EMUs its all class 37s, or deltics or similar locomotives only (with only a handful of mus )
I'd like to be preserved. Because I think in 10-15 years time I'll look like a wrinkly old prune.
{Waits for the abuse to start}
I like prunes
There will need to be some sort of late 20th century Woodham Bros. where we can put all the 37s!
First thing: Preserved trains please.I'd like to be preserved. Because I think in 10-15 years time I'll look like a wrinkly old prune.
{Waits for the abuse to start}
First thing: Preserved trains please.
There's actually a good point being made there!One thing I noticed in Switzerland was that some stations had an old locomotive displayed on the platform (under a little shelter)
Why not? You can certainly have too many 37s, as we can all see!
Isn't that part of the reason for the growing interest in new-build steam locos?but steam can't go on forever, something has to step in.
I'd like to see a section of track maintained to BR specs !