As an Australian, the highlight for me from the past decade would have to be the steam test of 3801. It was the first time since 2007 when the engine had last steamed and seeing that for the first time brought a lot of great hope and happiness for the new decade, which did since its now back at Thirlmere for another few trials, crew training and repainting. So I’m very excited to see it for the first time since ‘07.
As an Australian, one of the biggest highlights for me was when former Victorian Railways A2 Class engine A2 986 was restored for mainline running in 2015. Was the first time since around about the 60's that an A2 Class engine had run at all, after A2s served as passenger engines for about 40 years. Also, Victorian Goldfields Railway got a government grant to build their new depot at Castlemaine.
At least you guys got a few to look at. The most numerous Irish Gauge steam locomotives in preservation arn't even Irish. There most numerous Irish gauge locomotives that are actually in Ireland are no more than two classes with 2 members left. One of those classes had 111 members at one point. The most numerous locomotive of any class ever to run in Ireland.
Oo goodie good, as a fellow australian, may i just mention almost every queensland narrow gauge steam locomotive are just a masterpiece to look at? I have also ridden on multiple trains pulled by members of the C17 class.
You were lucky to have all this happen before COVID came along, and I hope more great steam events happen in the decade to come. Fingers crossed for another big NRM gala or a Tifield Thunderbolt reenactment for it's 70th anniversary.
The good: Another American (myself) got addicted to UK rail preservation. The bad: I do not have enough money to travel across the pond to see these locos.
One thing I'll say about this is, if you really wanna do it, but on a budget - Book NYC to UK flight, usually $400 well in advance, then book from your location to NYC and you might save like $500 this way. Just a bit of extra planning, but big $$$ savings. IMO
Hey Chris two questions, firstly how did you get interested in steam locomotives, and secondly, has your top 10 engines changed since your last video talking about your top 10. Also, have a spitfire on us Chris, never stop being awesome.
I got back into trains after highschool and started volunteering at the Illinois Railway Museum in 2017, and went on to become the VP of the Iowa State University RR Club. I've made a lot of connections and friends through my interest in the RR preservation community that I hope will last awhile, and while at the Illinois Railway Museum I've been part of the team working to restore the pioneering 1940s streamlined EMU Electroliner 801-802 to operating service. Great work as always Chris! You're making preservationists across the pond jealous of the quality of your content, not kidding. I saw people asking for a quality video like this for US preservation pop up as I was watching this.
You better get into filming then bro! 😂😂😂 Wish i could say tge same for Ireland. If i were to do what chris does in Ireland, everthing Irish gauge bar 2 episodes would be sole slips and about 1 or 2 series' out of narrow gauge engines :,(
33:40 The NRM still keep doing that to this day. Their vision.2025 scheme has seen them give away Aerolite, the NSR battery loco, the travelling post office replica, LMS 2500, Wren, and god knows what else (I fear for the L&YR Class 5 being tragically lost). You’d think that a museum renovation would bring more locos, but somehow the great hall feels more empty.
For me, the 2010s brought about my volunteering at my local steam heritage railway. 2012 was my first introduction, but was halted for a number of years due to personal reasons. However, 2019 brought me back on track and I couldn't be happier being a volunteer in Carriage & Wagon. I've made a new friend through it too which has been the icing on the cake. On a side note, I'm surprised you didn't mention that "Buffer Bashing" video (where a steam loco tried to run round its train but couldn't stop before it hit the buffers and surged forward) or the Union of SA one at the East Lancs railway at the end of 2019? Haha ah well, I guess you did prewarn us that not everything will be covered haha :P An excellent video Chris. Enjoyed watching back the decade and seeing how much had happened to where we are now. :)
Hey Chris, of all the new build projects currently underway and of those that are now up and running (e.g. Tornado and Lady of Legend) which one of them interests you the most and why? Five of my railway highlights of the decade... 1) The Great Gathering 2) The Bluebell reopening to East Grinstead 3) Seeing the return to service of Flying Scotsman, Clun Castle, S15 506, Duchess of Sutherland & 75069 4) Driving Tornado in 2018 5) Going to Germany in 2016, Italy in 2017 and Sweden in 2018 as a participant of the European youth camp Fedecrail.
November 12th, 2016 was the first time in 12 years since the Victorian Railways Tait Suburban carriages came out of Newport Workshops for a Level Crossing Removal event and in 2017, VR A2 class Steam Loco #986 did its first preservation charter since being completed in either 2015 or 2016 after 30 years of restoration
Excellent 'Issue' Chris, many thanks. My highlight was the return to steam of Bahamas in 2019. A wonderful locomotive I saw, before restoration, at York earlier in the decade.
Another big event in rail history would be Victorian Railways 4-6-0 A2 class #986 running for the 1st time in 50 years in 2015/2016 going from Newport to tralgon in the states East
Hey Chris, First of all, congrats on 3 years of Gauge The Issue - I’ve always really enjoyed this segment and it’s been great to see it flourish the way it has, thanks in no small part to your hard work and dedication. I just had two or three small questions for your upcoming Q&A Session: 1) What has been your favourite class to review so far for SLIPS? I don’t necessarily mean your favourite locomotive, but the one that perhaps you found the most satisfying to complete and put together. 2) Have there been any classes that you have reviewed (either SLIPs or Sole SLIPs) where your option of the engine/class has changed over time, such as maybe not liking at first but afterwards having more of an appreciation for them? 3) Are there any events in the railway preservation circle that you are looking forward to this coming decade, such as new builds or returns to steam? Mine so far has probably been seeing 3801 back in steam and at Thirlmere Rail Museum, which is right near my home town. All the best going forward for this decade, and don’t ever stop being awesome!
18:16 It's true. The RPSI who own no. 131 only have 3 locomotives in service at any one time. There less than 10 narrow gauge steam railways in Ireland and only one Irish Gauge steam railway. We have less Irish gauge steam locomotives in preservation altogether than there are Bulleid Pacifics in preservation and probably less than double that in 3ft gauge engines. This is extremely disappointing considering the vast amount of history that has simply been forgotten about. Most of the 18 NCC 2-6-4 Tanks were still in service outside of preservation in 1970 but only one escaped the cutters torch. Forget sad. Its depressing.
Very glad you're carrying on, your videos are a great watch and an intelligent and insightful, interesting look at the key issues and topics around railway preservation. Thank you for your work!
Ah yes, the return of 611 in 2015 was one of my favorite memories of the decade. Thanks for mentioning her; though it is not likely she will run on the mainline in the coming future, smaller tourist lines seem to be her stomping grounds. And then, the American star of 2019, Union Pacific 4014 is a whole other level of awesomeness.
Best moment for me personally was getting to go on the footplate of Union of South Africa at the Mid Norfolk. Amazing as well what that railway have done over the last 10 years. Personally, I think all the new build projects gives me home, even if the fact that some of them are pie in the sky, it's just good to see so many of them being led by younger people with a real passion for steam; it just seems like for me personally, the last decade saw something of a major renaissance of steam enthusiasm.
All those magnificent shiny steamy machines, lovely stations and beautiful rides. All done with volunteer effort and donations - wonderful! Thanks for an excellent review.
In 2016, the Canberra Railway Museum closed down due to financial difficulties and had to sell off some of its assets in 2017. This included NSW 6029 being sold to a private enterprise. In 2018 6029 was withdrawn from service due to boiler issues and returned back into service in mid 2019 with its original livery, black with a red pin stripe.
Hey Chris I've got a three questions for you. Firstly what has been your favourite episode of SLIPS to make and produce. What class would be your dream one to make an episode of SLIPS. finally if you could bring back one lost class of any railway company what class would it be and why? Oh also keep up the good work you're a real inspiration
To add to the American News: Norfolk Southern’s brief return of steam in the form of, “21st Century Steam” from late 2011-2016 was something railfans never thought would happen again, much less 611 returning!
As an Australian, the biggest thing that happened was the reopening of the Mary Valley Rattler in Queensland. Queensland Rail let the Mary Valley Rattler use their QR C17, numbered 974 to start up operations while the MVR's own C17, numbered 967, was being rebuilt. I started volunteering for this railway in January of 2020.
A few more events for Australia in the 2010s, The return to steam of Climax 1694 at the Puffing Billy Railway in 2013, 50 years of the reopening of the PBR in 2012, return to steam of the sole surviving A2 class 4-6-0 number 986 in 2017, and the return to service of J549,R711,12A, RX207, 3526,3801 and the first ever double headed Garratt train run at PBR on the 18th December 2019, in conjunction with the return of South African NGG/16 129 Cheers from an Australian Rail fan
I have an idea. Just imagine if GNR(I) no. 171 Slieve Gullion got sent to Australia and K153 or some other Irish Gauge Australian locomotive could do the same but the other way round. I can only dream of seeing K153 or even R707 running down the quaydide in Wicklow. 😍😍😍😍
@Aussie Pom Well the maximum allowed height in Ireland is about 14 feet but it is posdible for taller engines to run on the main line. I mean the GSR B1A no. 800 Maedb is a few inches taller than a Victorian A class 4-6-0 although she is limited where she can run. It would be rather comical though to see a tiny Irish 4-4-0 thundering through Melbourne don't you think? I mean by comparison even the Y class would be considered big with what we have left in preservation. 😂😂😂
In 2016, American Narrow gauge celebrated one of the oldest Narrow gauge locomotives on the continent returning to service. In March, Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Forney #9 ran under her own power for the first time since 1933, following a 9 year rebuild
Hey Chris! I have two questions; 1) I am thinking about buying copies/downloads of a few of the SLIPS videos on your youtube channel, what would you recommend going for? And why? 2) If SOMEHOW an E2 or E2x new build was approved, there would have to be some design modifications. So what could be changed about the E2's and E2X's to make them much better, and good enough to be able to regularly run on heritage lines like the NVR?
The good: I got big into railways again, modeling and I am now at work on a major expansion and other work on my model railway (such as getting a new turntable, a Terrier and a Black 5), I also got baptized! Oh and the return of Hudswell Clarke 1800 'Thomas', which I am planning on making an OO scale replica of! The bad: Nothing really comes to my mind.
Update on the expansion: As of the 1st of Febuary, everything but the scenery (and aquiring more locomotives) is completed! I even completed the overhaul of my Tri-ang Princess Elizabeth!
I have to say one of the biggest moments for me in the last decade (with a little bit of bias being a volunteer myself at the ELR) was the returning to steam of Standard 4 tank 80097 after a mamoth 35 year restoration. It might not be the most sought after loco or most famous but the amount of work put into 80097 cannot be understated.
2013 - Attended Great Gathering 2018 - Visited 5 Welsh Narrow Gauge lines in a week and attended GCR 1968 gala 2019 - Visited Swanage, East Lancashire and Keighley & Worth Valley Railways for first time
Favourites of the decade in terms of local news would be seeing so many big names in American steam power coming back into service(Pere Marquette No. 1225, Norfolk and Western J Class No. 611, Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy[and even the Challenger], and the Southern Pacific Daylight steamer come to mind) and also(surprisingly) old diesels such as basically any EMD diesel locomotive made before the 70s running again, operating excursion trains and whatnot. Moving across the pond I am *so glad* that the Caledonian Railway got 0-6-0 No. 828 and 4-4-0 No. 419 running again. Seeing Gresley's last remaining A4 Pacifics operate again was absolutely legendary and I wish I was able to see it in person(unfortunately I was somewhat young when that happened and I don't think my parents would've liked the idea of crossing the ocean just to see some streamlined steam locomotives operate again. I don't have an issue with that but hey I've always been a weirdo.) Hopefully the New '20s bring us some more awesome memories!
Speaking as an American (which I am by birth), the highlight of the past 10 years was, of course, the restoration and operation of Union Pacific's #4014 (the Big Boy), of which several videos can be found on RUclips, as well as the restoration and operation of N&W #611.
The 2010s was a really great and enjoyed the the big gala events on heritage railways as well on the main lines. Well the start of the decade sadly my dad passed away on August 2010 and every year I still feel upset that my dad was not with me on every railway highlight during the decade. However I had a great time during the decade and it was great to meet you Chris on many railways as well enjoying watching your Steam Locos in Profile series since 2012.
Visiting the NRM for the first time in 2018 (I'm from Germany and not around in the UK as often as I'd like) and finally seeing Mallard. It was a plus that Scotsman was under steam at Locomotion at the same time, so I even managed to take some pictures of that which endet up in the Wikipedia article, at least for a while.
A minor point, the completion of the USA transcontinental railroad was at Promontory Utah, not Promontory Point. Promontory Point is a spit of land jutting into the Great Salt Lake many miles South of Promontory.where the rail were joined.
In my highlights for the 2010's: the return of Skookum, the return of D&RG #168, return of #611, the N&W Reunion at Strasburg, and finally, of course, the return of UP #4014 and her runs to Ogden and to the Southwest and the 1st runs of a Big Boy over Cajon Pass in history
Chris, the return of both N&W 611 AND UP Big Boy 4014 in 2015 and 2019, respectively, were definitely highlights for Yanks like me, but for this Pennsylvania railway enthusiast and airsoft player, two restorations began in 2015 and 2016. Those were Reading T-1s 2100 and 2102. As of October of 2019, the 2102 is, um, shall we say, “on-track,” to be completed first because, according to Shane Frederickson, new superheater units and tubes have already been installed in the boiler. If you ever decide to do an episode of Steam Locos in Profile about the four surviving Reading T-1s, please feel free to use any of my upcoming footage of the 2102 once she’s returned to steam. My work is free to use by anyone. One of the negative points of the 2010s was the appointment of E. Hunter Harrison as the new CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway in 2012. This ultimately spelled the end of CP 4-6-4 “Empress” Hudson #2816’s second career with a BR-style “Steam Ban.” Fortunately, she is still looked after and cared for by members of Canadian Pacific’s Heritage Program inside the CP Ogden Shops in Calgary, Alberta. The current CEO, Keith Creel, uses the engine as a backdrop for some company pictures, so I think it’s safe to say he’s entertaining the idea of having her returned to steam when the time is right. Another big highlight was riding behind N&W 611 at Strasburg on Saturday the 28th of September. Then, a little under a month later on Saturday the 19th of October, I rode in the 611’s cab in the jump seat. Following a yearly tradition that I started in May of 2017 over Memorial Day weekend on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, I took my second ride in the cab of Reading & Northern 425-which has gained the unofficial title of “Loudest Steam Locomotive in the World” ever since Frisco 1522 was withdrawn from traffic in 2002-from Reading Outer Station in Muhlenburg to the R&N’s headquarters in Port Clinton and return for their annual Santa Trains. This also included a short stint at the throttle (regulator as you Brits call it) for about ten minutes. All-in-all, a good decade for railway preservation. Some good, but some bad. Luckily, much of what’s happened in the 2010s has been good. Well, that’s all I have for now. Until your next video, farewell.
30:55 ima gona have to correct ya there mate. Promotory point is in the middle of the great lakes, its promontory summit your talking about. Also i was kinda expecting Chris talking about the started construction of T1 number 5550, but oh well.
There were 3 things that happened in Queensland Australia in the 10’s that would’ve been worth mentioning, the first was the Mary Valley rattler running again in late 2018 after the railway closed in 2012, and the other events was the mainline heritage runs in Queensland with a steam locomotive running from Brisbane to Cairns and Mareeba and back, which is a journey longer than lands end to John o’ groats, this event was the queenslandrail 150 years celebration, (which was a sequel to the 140 celebration in where the train only went from Brisbane to cairns and Kuranda) which had steam locomotive A10 number 6, the oldest workable steam locomotive in Queensland, built in 1865, running from the railway workshops in Ipswich to grandchester, taking the route of the first rail line in Queensland. This happened in 2015.
Hey Chris, what would you say was your luckiest shot of an engine? Have to admit you've done a great job these past years, don't ever stop being awsome
Hey Chris, The two surviving Britannias notwithstanding, what has been the most frustrating episode of Steam Locos In Profile (this also applies to Sole SLIPS) to put together? You know, when more than two engines of the same class have been running at the same period, when engines were available to the public, that sort of thing. Mostly behind the scenes stuff.
A highlight for me from the past decade was actually riding one of the last operational standard gauge and oldest steam locomotives in Florida with the Orange Blossom Cannonball or the Tavares, Eustis, and Gulf Locomotive No. 2 in March of 2015, which I rode on a train hauled by the steam train for a short Wild West excursion with a "robbery" of the train. I'm glad I especially did though since around January of 2017, the Orange Blossom Cannonball ceased operations due to the Florida Central Railroad operating the excursion no longer having the trackage rights around Tavares. I don't know what exactly happened to the locomotive nor the rolling stock, but according to one of the volunteers of the Winter Garden Train Museum, the train has been sent back to its home state of Arkansas.
I saw UP 4014 at 2 separate venues in less than a week 1 in Marshall Texas on Nov 11, 2019 & 1 in Atlanta Texas on Nov 12, 2019. Marshall was a overnight layover, while Atlanta was a touch & go (a short viewing stop. Got some excellent video & stills. I have worked on several steam Locos & Rolling stock over the years & steam is one of my hobbies.
Hey Chris, what do you think of the Puffing Billy Railway in Victoria? As I’ve always wondered about your opinion on locomotives in Victoria, Australia
Oh, and also, the Puffing Billy Railway restored a South African Class NG G16 Garratt to service in December, re-gauging it from 610 mm gauge to 762 mm gauge. And the Yarra Valley Railway got a government grant to extend their railway to Yarra Glen.
Hey Chris. 2 quick questions: 1. Is it unlikely that you'll do SLIPs on scrapped locomotives, similar to the E2 during 'Gauge the Issue'? 2. What are you looking forward to in this decade regarding preservation/new-builds and mainline running? Keep up the good work
Preservation in the US had its share of ups and downs, apart from the restorations of N&W 611 and UP 4014. 1) Norfolk Southern announces 21st Century Steam, which brought steam to their lines for the first since 1994 with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's Southern 2-8-0 #630. 2) Train Festival 2011 in Rock Island, IL brought Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #765 and the Iowa Interstate's Chinese QJ 2-10-2s along the Mississippi River front. 3) 2015 saw the return of TVRM's legendary Southern 2-8-2 #4501. 4) 2016 saw the return of Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844 from a 3 year overhaul. Unfortunately in 2018, the locomotive was involved in an accident when it struck a bystander that was practically standing on the tracks at 60 MPH. 5) Pere Marquette 2-8-4 #1225 returned in 2013 following its 1472 day overhaul. 6) The Western Maryland Scenic Railway acquired Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309 for restoration from the B&O Museum in 2014. However, they would run into a ton of problems ranging from selling tickets for photo charters well before the locomotive was done and a former employee stealing and selling parts from the shop. 7) The New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railway Historical Society successfully fired up Santa Fe 4-8-4 #2926. At this point in 2020, restoration is just about finished. 8) Santa Fe 4-8-4 #3751 returned to the Grand Canyon Railway for the first time since 2002, reuniting with the railway's former Burlington Route 2-8-2 #4960. 9) Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 #261 returned in 2014 following overhaul and "conflicts" with the National Railway Musuem in Green Bay, WI regarding its lease. 10) Southern Pacific "Daylight" #4449 returned to service in 2017 (will need to double check on that) 11) With Big Boy 4014 out on the rails again, this unfortunately brought an to Challenger #3985's excursion career, which had been stored in the Cheyenne, WY roundhouse since 2011. 12) Skookum, a logging 2-4-4-2 mallet, was returned to service following an extensive restoration in 2019, currently residing at the Niles Canyon Railway in Sonol, CA. 13) Currently the biggest issue with running steam on US mainlines is getting locomotives equipped with Positive Train Control. Some have already made the purchase for such equipment. The other issue being Amtrak terminating any trains they deem "special moves" over their routes. This includes private passenger car moves on Amtrak trains or excursion trains.
@@shrikantgopinath1195 It's being stuffed and mounted in the Cheyenne, WY roundhouse indefinitely. The UP steam crew believes it makes much sense logistically to keep just 2 steam locomotives in operation. And they're right in that regard, because 1) They have such a small crew and 2) 3985 was worked to the bone during its excursion career. 4014's restoration allows it to take a long deserved rest.
Hey Chris, great to see another edition. My question is are there anymore American imports to the UK you have videos for, or are the only two we will see is the S160 and the S100? Just curious about whether there are any other American imports in the UK. Also, I am a big fan of GWR tank locos and your coverage of mixed traffic engines like the B1s. Keep it up. B.R.Francis
on the plus side of 2014, Southern 4501 finally returned to steam for the first time since 1996 with a few upgrades her classmates often got in revenue service but she didn't...for some reason.
Hey Chris, first thank you for your ongoing videos. Dominion of Canada, shipped and from the UK at UK expense. Cosmetically restored in UK and returned to Montreal and have the Delson Museum dump it back in the shed subject to Canadian winters. What pressure can the UK bring to bear on this deplorable state of affairs? John
Another great video Chris! I always love waiting with RUclips to update my email inbox that you've uploaded a new video, your works amazing like no other! It's incredible. Let no one else tell you otherwise. Will look forward to the next installments, wish I have questions to put 🤔. Hmm shal have to think. Keep it up chap!
2011 - I went with a group of students to the SVR 2016 - I visited my first Warley Exhibition and join the LMS Patriot Project 2017 - I visited the NRM for the first time and Shildon later this year; I visit Warley again and forgetting to renew my LMS Patriot Membership 2018 - My hometown of Kenilworth finally got its new railway station; that same year in the summer holls, I visit the NNR and saw in person the sole-surviving Holden B12 and Gresley N2; I also visit Warley again and renew my membership of the LPP as well as join Bachmann's Collector's Club 2019 - I went to the Swanage Railway where I chanced upon the sole-surviving T9 4-4-0 No. 30120; while attending Warley, I renew both my Bachmann Collectors Club and LPP membership again I could write a memoir of my life at some point.
Hey Chris, In your GTI about New Builds, you describe Stepney as "F***ed." Would you mind elaborating on that opinion (I think you may have touched on it at least partly in "It's Only Metal, Isn't It?")
Hey Chris, a highlight for me last year was seeing you give a great presentation at the Wells and Walsingham Railway, will we be any more SLIPS roadshows in the future? BTW, My top highlight of 2010s steam preservation was the Summer of 2013. It was towards the end of my first year of film production studies, I was 18, and I had the joy as someone who got into railways due to the original Thomas stories and regular trips to the NRM as a nipper to see the Bluebell Railway for the first time (just a month after it chuffed back into East Grinstead) and then see Mallard 75 back in Yorkshire (celebrating my favourite engine's record). It felt like my young life had come full circle, and it was truly the happiest time in my life since I was a little kid. Happy New Year Chris! Jacob
Hey Chris, If you were in charge of any random preserved standard gauge railway in the country, and were organising a steam gala with a fair budget to hand, what locos would you have on your guest list?
"Hey Chris", what has been, (in your opinion from experience), the best railway gala, event, attraction, loco or simply just the best day out to a place railway related? Also in response to this video and thus, the 2010s, I've really grown my love and passion of railways, from 2010 my own loco steaming for the first time in preservation, to events such as last year when I visited the IoW railway from Staffordshire in a day, and meeting you and Caledonian 439 class No.419 at 're churnet valley railway. Much more to mention such as my choice go visit the WSR to support them and I look forward to what the 2020s bring for global railways. - George
The Highlights for me were the return of GSMR 1702, The Return of the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, the return of Norfolk & Western 611, and Tweetsie Railroad's 60th Season.
Hey chris, do you think you will ever try to see 4014? I understand how difficult of a venture that would be, but it would be worth your time. I was fortunate to spend a day in the cab across Oklahoma on her last tour, and having grown up around large steam, it still blew me away. It is truly one of the most extensive and incredible restorations in history.
No mention of the major rebuild and return to traffic in the last decade of the two North Staffordshire Railway 1880s coaches plus the rebuilt NSR Accessible Brake Coach?
Is that more important to railway preservation in general than the Big Boy, West Coast's foul ups, Tangmere's failures, the fall and rise of the Gloswarks or any of the personnel who've passed on?
Hey Chris! What is the actual gauge of Gauge the Issue? More seriously what do you think of the issue of heritage railways ending up "too long" so that a run on them actually takes a really significant part of the day and may discourage non-enthusiasts from visiting?
This is a great question! I see this happening a lot in the US too. Cumbres & Toltec is huge and takes several hours to travel just half the railway. And the former Rio Grande Southern was the same, big trip, low riders (though C&T is growing in popularity as they rebuild rolling stock and add amenities).
My highlights of the decade: 2010: I became a member of the Warley Model Railway Club. 2011: Starting with the Severn Valley Railway during the Easter holidays, I started visiting many heritage railways by myself (mainly for steam galas). 2014: I started joining various railway based groups on Facebook, starting with Narrow Gauge Enthusiasts Group. 2016: Although not necessarily railway related, I bought a DSLR camera for the first time (Nikon D3300) so I can take quality photos whilst visiting various heritage railways. 2017: Seeing the newly completed Hunslet 4-6-0T at Apedale for their Tracks to the Trenches event. 2019: Seeing the newly completed Saint at Didcot and a visiting Zillertalbahn U class 0-6-2T at the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway for their Steam Gala as well as resuming the construction of the replica LNWR Bloomer at Tyseley.
Mine are not too great. GNR(I) no. 131 returned to steam and a new build has commenced in Northern Ireland. I have no idea how so much of our history has simply been forgotten about.
Hey Chris: after being worried about your wellbeing after the last editorial, I'm glad to hear your doing better in some respect and would like to say this one is amazing. I loved that you covered the big American steam events too (611 esoecially being a childhood favorite of mine). Only question I can ask is: Being a Yank looking in from the Outside on British steam, yet still wanting to be a fan, is there Anytnign about it thats often Misunderstood, or needs conextualization about it? Keep up the good work and don't wear yourself out. Dan
Hey Chris, have you got any plans on releasing Complete SLIP Volumes in higher-than-DVD-quality? I can buy single episodes digitally in HD, but then I'm missing out on the bonus content (not for sale in digital). Or I'll buy the DVD and miss out on the HD quality. Blu-ray, USB-Stick or bundled download would be an option, or maybe disounted HD-Video prices for DVD owners? Thank you, and keep up your excellent work!
'Hey Chris, what do you think of the likelihood of 'bio coal' or other eco friendly methods of powering steam engines taking effect anytime in the next decade or future? Do you think that steam engines being relegated to completely static condition will decrease interest in the passion for railway enthusiasm?' I think my railway highlight of the decade has been developing a greater interest in my favourite railways, such as the Severn Valley Railway or the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway - and gaining an appreciation for them not just on my own merits, but sharing my love of railways with other friends and acquaintances at meetup events. I very much hope to carry that on this decade.
Hey Chris, one question I've been eager to ask is 'what is your opinion on industrial steam', this is in regards to the near completion of the Andrew Barclay 0-6-0 'Horden's overhaul taking place on my home railway: Tanfield Cheers! :)
@7:28 Over 33,000 people? Hmmm. .... Goodwood Festival of Speed lets in over 60,000 _per day,_ despite being at the extreme south of the country in a rural area with poor road connections, compared to York which is much more central, and well connected to the north and south by road and rail.
The highlights of the decade for me was 6029, 3526 and 3265 returning to steam (2014, early and late 2018) 150 years anniversary of the NSW Railway the restoration of 3001 starting and 3801 passing steam and mainline tests. If you didn’t guess these are from NSW in Australia
Has your favourite steam locos changed since your top ten video, and also what was the first standard gauge steam loco you ever saw? Also good luck in your endeavors of 2020
Hey, Chris, what's your favorite method of articulating a locomotive? (Klein-Lindner axles, Mallet-type hinges, Beyer-Garratt-isms, Shay gear drives, etc) My personal best moment of the past decade has to be the trip I took to the UK over the summer, especially the footplate ride on Talyllyn Railway no. 6 'Douglas' while in the RAF livery. The loco crew seemed very friendly and the scenery was otherworldly. And I used the toilet on one of the last Virgin Pendolino services, meaning I was tilted about five degrees to one side but still pissing straight in relation to the floor, but canted slightly compared to the rest of the world, a stellar moment to be sure.
7:43 - Teddy, the little engine with a big presence.
As an Australian, the highlight for me from the past decade would have to be the steam test of 3801. It was the first time since 2007 when the engine had last steamed and seeing that for the first time brought a lot of great hope and happiness for the new decade, which did since its now back at Thirlmere for another few trials, crew training and repainting. So I’m very excited to see it for the first time since ‘07.
NWR1991 thank for info.
0 ok k
Chris: "what ever you call 15" gauge"
Me: small
lol
Ha
toy
Smol
Very small.
As an Australian, one of the biggest highlights for me was when former Victorian Railways A2 Class engine A2 986 was restored for mainline running in 2015. Was the first time since around about the 60's that an A2 Class engine had run at all, after A2s served as passenger engines for about 40 years. Also, Victorian Goldfields Railway got a government grant to build their new depot at Castlemaine.
At least you guys got a few to look at. The most numerous Irish Gauge steam locomotives in preservation arn't even Irish. There most numerous Irish gauge locomotives that are actually in Ireland are no more than two classes with 2 members left. One of those classes had 111 members at one point. The most numerous locomotive of any class ever to run in Ireland.
I saw it on its first or second outing at warragul in 2016
Oo goodie good, as a fellow australian, may i just mention almost every queensland narrow gauge steam locomotive are just a masterpiece to look at?
I have also ridden on multiple trains pulled by members of the C17 class.
Chris: this is probably the biggest thing the new decade will have been to deal with
Corona: hold my beer
“Britannia returned to the mainline”
*shows footage of her excessively wheelslipping*
Seems about right
You were lucky to have all this happen before COVID came along, and I hope more great steam events happen in the decade to come.
Fingers crossed for another big NRM gala or a Tifield Thunderbolt reenactment for it's 70th anniversary.
The good: Another American (myself) got addicted to UK rail preservation.
The bad: I do not have enough money to travel across the pond to see these locos.
Right bach atcha, I'd love to see the Big Boy in steam with my own eyes
One thing I'll say about this is, if you really wanna do it, but on a budget - Book NYC to UK flight, usually $400 well in advance, then book from your location to NYC and you might save like $500 this way. Just a bit of extra planning, but big $$$ savings. IMO
There's the Wales West light railway in Alabama that pretends to be a welsh narrow guage railway. Still, yeah it's not the same thing.
Same
You are not the only one. Love British railway preservation, and I don't have enough money to do so.
Hey Chris two questions, firstly how did you get interested in steam locomotives, and secondly, has your top 10 engines changed since your last video talking about your top 10. Also, have a spitfire on us Chris, never stop being awesome.
I got back into trains after highschool and started volunteering at the Illinois Railway Museum in 2017, and went on to become the VP of the Iowa State University RR Club. I've made a lot of connections and friends through my interest in the RR preservation community that I hope will last awhile, and while at the Illinois Railway Museum I've been part of the team working to restore the pioneering 1940s streamlined EMU Electroliner 801-802 to operating service.
Great work as always Chris! You're making preservationists across the pond jealous of the quality of your content, not kidding. I saw people asking for a quality video like this for US preservation pop up as I was watching this.
You better get into filming then bro! 😂😂😂 Wish i could say tge same for Ireland. If i were to do what chris does in Ireland, everthing Irish gauge bar 2 episodes would be sole slips and about 1 or 2 series' out of narrow gauge engines :,(
Thank you for mentioning the EVR Chris, much appreciated by us all there.
33:40 The NRM still keep doing that to this day. Their vision.2025 scheme has seen them give away Aerolite, the NSR battery loco, the travelling post office replica, LMS 2500, Wren, and god knows what else (I fear for the L&YR Class 5 being tragically lost). You’d think that a museum renovation would bring more locos, but somehow the great hall feels more empty.
For me, the 2010s brought about my volunteering at my local steam heritage railway. 2012 was my first introduction, but was halted for a number of years due to personal reasons. However, 2019 brought me back on track and I couldn't be happier being a volunteer in Carriage & Wagon. I've made a new friend through it too which has been the icing on the cake.
On a side note, I'm surprised you didn't mention that "Buffer Bashing" video (where a steam loco tried to run round its train but couldn't stop before it hit the buffers and surged forward) or the Union of SA one at the East Lancs railway at the end of 2019? Haha ah well, I guess you did prewarn us that not everything will be covered haha :P
An excellent video Chris. Enjoyed watching back the decade and seeing how much had happened to where we are now. :)
You forgot 2019 the first Pacer gets scrapped 😆😆😆😆😆
I don’t think you realise that Chris doesn’t care for diesels or electrics
@@Merchelloteapot
@@aidenteszke9000 what?
@@Merchellohe has an ongoing joke on hating the pacers
Hey Chris, of all the new build projects currently underway and of those that are now up and running (e.g. Tornado and Lady of Legend) which one of them interests you the most and why?
Five of my railway highlights of the decade...
1) The Great Gathering
2) The Bluebell reopening to East Grinstead
3) Seeing the return to service of Flying Scotsman, Clun Castle, S15 506, Duchess of Sutherland & 75069
4) Driving Tornado in 2018
5) Going to Germany in 2016, Italy in 2017 and Sweden in 2018 as a participant of the European youth camp Fedecrail.
November 12th, 2016 was the first time in 12 years since the Victorian Railways Tait Suburban carriages came out of Newport Workshops for a Level Crossing Removal event and in 2017, VR A2 class Steam Loco #986 did its first preservation charter since being completed in either 2015 or 2016 after 30 years of restoration
Hey Chris, what has been your favourite or most interesting GTI episode to make?
Excellent 'Issue' Chris, many thanks. My highlight was the return to steam of Bahamas in 2019. A wonderful locomotive I saw, before restoration, at York earlier in the decade.
Definitely a highlight for Victoria (Australia) was the first Mainline run of A2 Class loco A2 986 after a 32 year long restoration in May 2017.
Another big event in rail history would be Victorian Railways 4-6-0 A2 class #986 running for the 1st time in 50 years in 2015/2016 going from Newport to tralgon in the states East
Hell, this past decade is when I first subscribed to your channel. And hell, it really was one hell of a decade.
Hey Chris,
First of all, congrats on 3 years of Gauge The Issue - I’ve always really enjoyed this segment and it’s been great to see it flourish the way it has, thanks in no small part to your hard work and dedication.
I just had two or three small questions for your upcoming Q&A Session:
1) What has been your favourite class to review so far for SLIPS? I don’t necessarily mean your favourite locomotive, but the one that perhaps you found the most satisfying to complete and put together.
2) Have there been any classes that you have reviewed (either SLIPs or Sole SLIPs) where your option of the engine/class has changed over time, such as maybe not liking at first but afterwards having more of an appreciation for them?
3) Are there any events in the railway preservation circle that you are looking forward to this coming decade, such as new builds or returns to steam? Mine so far has probably been seeing 3801 back in steam and at Thirlmere Rail Museum, which is right near my home town.
All the best going forward for this decade, and don’t ever stop being awesome!
18:16 It's true. The RPSI who own no. 131 only have 3 locomotives in service at any one time. There less than 10 narrow gauge steam railways in Ireland and only one Irish Gauge steam railway. We have less Irish gauge steam locomotives in preservation altogether than there are Bulleid Pacifics in preservation and probably less than double that in 3ft gauge engines. This is extremely disappointing considering the vast amount of history that has simply been forgotten about. Most of the 18 NCC 2-6-4 Tanks were still in service outside of preservation in 1970 but only one escaped the cutters torch. Forget sad. Its depressing.
Very glad you're carrying on, your videos are a great watch and an intelligent and insightful, interesting look at the key issues and topics around railway preservation. Thank you for your work!
Ah yes, the return of 611 in 2015 was one of my favorite memories of the decade. Thanks for mentioning her; though it is not likely she will run on the mainline in the coming future, smaller tourist lines seem to be her stomping grounds.
And then, the American star of 2019, Union Pacific 4014 is a whole other level of awesomeness.
Hey Chris loved the video and for me the best railway news was the restart of one of the most original preserved lines in NZ the Kingston Fllyer
Best moment for me personally was getting to go on the footplate of Union of South Africa at the Mid Norfolk. Amazing as well what that railway have done over the last 10 years. Personally, I think all the new build projects gives me home, even if the fact that some of them are pie in the sky, it's just good to see so many of them being led by younger people with a real passion for steam; it just seems like for me personally, the last decade saw something of a major renaissance of steam enthusiasm.
32:20 "If the 2020's turn out to be a challenge..." Oh, how I wish 'a challenge' was all it was.
What's your definition of challenge
1. Saw the Union Pacific 844 on its tour supporting the company’s 150th Birthday
1. Visited the Sierra Railway for the first time.
All those magnificent shiny steamy machines, lovely stations and beautiful rides. All done with volunteer effort and donations - wonderful! Thanks for an excellent review.
In 2016, the Canberra Railway Museum closed down due to financial difficulties and had to sell off some of its assets in 2017. This included NSW 6029 being sold to a private enterprise. In 2018 6029 was withdrawn from service due to boiler issues and returned back into service in mid 2019 with its original livery, black with a red pin stripe.
Hey Chris I've got a three questions for you. Firstly what has been your favourite episode of SLIPS to make and produce. What class would be your dream one to make an episode of SLIPS. finally if you could bring back one lost class of any railway company what class would it be and why? Oh also keep up the good work you're a real inspiration
To add to the American News: Norfolk Southern’s brief return of steam in the form of, “21st Century Steam” from late 2011-2016 was something railfans never thought would happen again, much less 611 returning!
Hey Chris, could you do a sole slip on the Southern Railway Maunsell N Class No. 31874 which is on the Swanage Railway (a Railway I’m a volunteer on)?
Wish some of the Irish examples got preserved. Then there would be no need for a sole slip and we would hsve extra locomotives :,(
As an Australian, the biggest thing that happened was the reopening of the Mary Valley Rattler in Queensland. Queensland Rail let the Mary Valley Rattler use their QR C17, numbered 974 to start up operations while the MVR's own C17, numbered 967, was being rebuilt. I started volunteering for this railway in January of 2020.
A few more events for Australia in the 2010s, The return to steam of Climax 1694 at the Puffing Billy Railway in 2013, 50 years of the reopening of the PBR in 2012, return to steam of the sole surviving A2 class 4-6-0 number 986 in 2017, and the return to service of J549,R711,12A, RX207, 3526,3801 and the first ever double headed Garratt train run at PBR on the 18th December 2019, in conjunction with the return of South African NGG/16 129
Cheers from an Australian Rail fan
I have an idea. Just imagine if GNR(I) no. 171 Slieve Gullion got sent to Australia and K153 or some other Irish Gauge Australian locomotive could do the same but the other way round. I can only dream of seeing K153 or even R707 running down the quaydide in Wicklow. 😍😍😍😍
@Aussie Pom Well the maximum allowed height in Ireland is about 14 feet but it is posdible for taller engines to run on the main line. I mean the GSR B1A no. 800 Maedb is a few inches taller than a Victorian A class 4-6-0 although she is limited where she can run. It would be rather comical though to see a tiny Irish 4-4-0 thundering through Melbourne don't you think? I mean by comparison even the Y class would be considered big with what we have left in preservation. 😂😂😂
My personal highlight was two new T.O.C's for mainline steam operation LSL and Vintage Trains
good to see you back on a more positive note since the last GTi
2019 saw the NLR getting a half a mile expansion to Boughton as well
In 2016, American Narrow gauge celebrated one of the oldest Narrow gauge locomotives on the continent returning to service. In March, Wiscasset Waterville & Farmington Forney #9 ran under her own power for the first time since 1933, following a 9 year rebuild
Hey Chris! I have two questions;
1) I am thinking about buying copies/downloads of a few of the SLIPS videos on your youtube channel, what would you recommend going for? And why?
2) If SOMEHOW an E2 or E2x new build was approved, there would have to be some design modifications. So what could be changed about the E2's and E2X's to make them much better, and good enough to be able to regularly run on heritage lines like the NVR?
The good: I got big into railways again, modeling and I am now at work on a major expansion and other work on my model railway (such as getting a new turntable, a Terrier and a Black 5), I also got baptized! Oh and the return of Hudswell Clarke 1800 'Thomas', which I am planning on making an OO scale replica of!
The bad: Nothing really comes to my mind.
Update on the expansion: As of the 1st of Febuary, everything but the scenery (and aquiring more locomotives) is completed! I even completed the overhaul of my Tri-ang Princess Elizabeth!
I have to say one of the biggest moments for me in the last decade (with a little bit of bias being a volunteer myself at the ELR) was the returning to steam of Standard 4 tank 80097 after a mamoth 35 year restoration. It might not be the most sought after loco or most famous but the amount of work put into 80097 cannot be understated.
I also volunteer at the ELR and I was wondering if you could tell me your name? It’s great to see other volunteers watching his videos.
2013 - Attended Great Gathering
2018 - Visited 5 Welsh Narrow Gauge lines in a week and attended GCR 1968 gala
2019 - Visited Swanage, East Lancashire and Keighley & Worth Valley Railways for first time
Favourites of the decade in terms of local news would be seeing so many big names in American steam power coming back into service(Pere Marquette No. 1225, Norfolk and Western J Class No. 611, Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 Big Boy[and even the Challenger], and the Southern Pacific Daylight steamer come to mind) and also(surprisingly) old diesels such as basically any EMD diesel locomotive made before the 70s running again, operating excursion trains and whatnot.
Moving across the pond I am *so glad* that the Caledonian Railway got 0-6-0 No. 828 and 4-4-0 No. 419 running again. Seeing Gresley's last remaining A4 Pacifics operate again was absolutely legendary and I wish I was able to see it in person(unfortunately I was somewhat young when that happened and I don't think my parents would've liked the idea of crossing the ocean just to see some streamlined steam locomotives operate again. I don't have an issue with that but hey I've always been a weirdo.)
Hopefully the New '20s bring us some more awesome memories!
Speaking as an American (which I am by birth), the highlight of the past 10 years was, of course, the restoration and operation of Union Pacific's #4014 (the Big Boy), of which several videos can be found on RUclips, as well as the restoration and operation of N&W #611.
Hey Chris! What is your favourite Narrow Gauge railway? (Below Standard Gauge)
and who is your favourite Steam Locomotive Designer?
The 2010s was a really great and enjoyed the the big gala events on heritage railways as well on the main lines.
Well the start of the decade sadly my dad passed away on August 2010 and every year I still feel upset that my dad was not with me on every railway highlight during the decade.
However I had a great time during the decade and it was great to meet you Chris on many railways as well enjoying watching your Steam Locos in Profile series since 2012.
Here in Indonesia 2 mainline locomotives got restored into operational condition, a tender 4-4-0 and a 2-8-2 tank 5 years apart
Visiting the NRM for the first time in 2018 (I'm from Germany and not around in the UK as often as I'd like) and finally seeing Mallard. It was a plus that Scotsman was under steam at Locomotion at the same time, so I even managed to take some pictures of that which endet up in the Wikipedia article, at least for a while.
A minor point, the completion of the USA transcontinental railroad was at Promontory Utah, not Promontory Point. Promontory Point is a spit of land jutting into the Great Salt Lake many miles South of Promontory.where the rail were joined.
The return of 2 Gresley A4s, from crossing the Atlantic.
In my highlights for the 2010's: the return of Skookum, the return of D&RG #168, return of #611, the N&W Reunion at Strasburg, and finally, of course, the return of UP #4014 and her runs to Ogden and to the Southwest and the 1st runs of a Big Boy over Cajon Pass in history
Great stuff Chris.It's always a pleasure to watch your videos.Thank you from an Australian fan.
Chris, the return of both N&W 611 AND UP Big Boy 4014 in 2015 and 2019, respectively, were definitely highlights for Yanks like me, but for this Pennsylvania railway enthusiast and airsoft player, two restorations began in 2015 and 2016. Those were Reading T-1s 2100 and 2102. As of October of 2019, the 2102 is, um, shall we say, “on-track,” to be completed first because, according to Shane Frederickson, new superheater units and tubes have already been installed in the boiler. If you ever decide to do an episode of Steam Locos in Profile about the four surviving Reading T-1s, please feel free to use any of my upcoming footage of the 2102 once she’s returned to steam. My work is free to use by anyone. One of the negative points of the 2010s was the appointment of E. Hunter Harrison as the new CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway in 2012. This ultimately spelled the end of CP 4-6-4 “Empress” Hudson #2816’s second career with a BR-style “Steam Ban.” Fortunately, she is still looked after and cared for by members of Canadian Pacific’s Heritage Program inside the CP Ogden Shops in Calgary, Alberta. The current CEO, Keith Creel, uses the engine as a backdrop for some company pictures, so I think it’s safe to say he’s entertaining the idea of having her returned to steam when the time is right. Another big highlight was riding behind N&W 611 at Strasburg on Saturday the 28th of September. Then, a little under a month later on Saturday the 19th of October, I rode in the 611’s cab in the jump seat. Following a yearly tradition that I started in May of 2017 over Memorial Day weekend on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, I took my second ride in the cab of Reading & Northern 425-which has gained the unofficial title of “Loudest Steam Locomotive in the World” ever since Frisco 1522 was withdrawn from traffic in 2002-from Reading Outer Station in Muhlenburg to the R&N’s headquarters in Port Clinton and return for their annual Santa Trains. This also included a short stint at the throttle (regulator as you Brits call it) for about ten minutes. All-in-all, a good decade for railway preservation. Some good, but some bad. Luckily, much of what’s happened in the 2010s has been good. Well, that’s all I have for now. Until your next video, farewell.
30:55 ima gona have to correct ya there mate. Promotory point is in the middle of the great lakes, its promontory summit your talking about. Also i was kinda expecting Chris talking about the started construction of T1 number 5550, but oh well.
There were 3 things that happened in Queensland Australia in the 10’s that would’ve been worth mentioning, the first was the Mary Valley rattler running again in late 2018 after the railway closed in 2012, and the other events was the mainline heritage runs in Queensland with a steam locomotive running from Brisbane to Cairns and Mareeba and back, which is a journey longer than lands end to John o’ groats, this event was the queenslandrail 150 years celebration, (which was a sequel to the 140 celebration in where the train only went from Brisbane to cairns and Kuranda) which had steam locomotive A10 number 6, the oldest workable steam locomotive in Queensland, built in 1865, running from the railway workshops in Ipswich to grandchester, taking the route of the first rail line in Queensland. This happened in 2015.
Hey Chris, what would you say was your luckiest shot of an engine?
Have to admit you've done a great job these past years, don't ever stop being awsome
Hey Chris,
The two surviving Britannias notwithstanding, what has been the most frustrating episode of Steam Locos In Profile (this also applies to Sole SLIPS) to put together? You know, when more than two engines of the same class have been running at the same period, when engines were available to the public, that sort of thing. Mostly behind the scenes stuff.
A highlight for me from the past decade was actually riding one of the last operational standard gauge and oldest steam locomotives in Florida with the Orange Blossom Cannonball or the Tavares, Eustis, and Gulf Locomotive No. 2 in March of 2015, which I rode on a train hauled by the steam train for a short Wild West excursion with a "robbery" of the train. I'm glad I especially did though since around January of 2017, the Orange Blossom Cannonball ceased operations due to the Florida Central Railroad operating the excursion no longer having the trackage rights around Tavares. I don't know what exactly happened to the locomotive nor the rolling stock, but according to one of the volunteers of the Winter Garden Train Museum, the train has been sent back to its home state of Arkansas.
I saw UP 4014 at 2 separate venues in less than a week 1 in Marshall Texas on Nov 11, 2019 & 1 in Atlanta Texas on Nov 12, 2019. Marshall was a overnight layover, while Atlanta was a touch & go (a short viewing stop. Got some excellent video & stills. I have worked on several steam Locos & Rolling stock over the years & steam is one of my hobbies.
Hey Chris, what do you think of the Puffing Billy Railway in Victoria? As I’ve always wondered about your opinion on locomotives in Victoria, Australia
Hey Chris, if you could bring back any extinct British Standard Gauge Steam Locomotive, which class would you pick?
Oh, and also, the Puffing Billy Railway restored a South African Class NG G16 Garratt to service in December, re-gauging it from 610 mm gauge to 762 mm gauge. And the Yarra Valley Railway got a government grant to extend their railway to Yarra Glen.
Hey Chris. 2 quick questions:
1. Is it unlikely that you'll do SLIPs on scrapped locomotives, similar to the E2 during 'Gauge the Issue'?
2. What are you looking forward to in this decade regarding preservation/new-builds and mainline running?
Keep up the good work
Great decade review Chris, your videos are always very enjoyable
Great video, great work and thank you for your contributions this past decade, I look forward to another :)
Preservation in the US had its share of ups and downs, apart from the restorations of N&W 611 and UP 4014.
1) Norfolk Southern announces 21st Century Steam, which brought steam to their lines for the first since 1994 with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's Southern 2-8-0 #630.
2) Train Festival 2011 in Rock Island, IL brought Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #765 and the Iowa Interstate's Chinese QJ 2-10-2s along the Mississippi River front.
3) 2015 saw the return of TVRM's legendary Southern 2-8-2 #4501.
4) 2016 saw the return of Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844 from a 3 year overhaul. Unfortunately in 2018, the locomotive was involved in an accident when it struck a bystander that was practically standing on the tracks at 60 MPH.
5) Pere Marquette 2-8-4 #1225 returned in 2013 following its 1472 day overhaul.
6) The Western Maryland Scenic Railway acquired Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309 for restoration from the B&O Museum in 2014. However, they would run into a ton of problems ranging from selling tickets for photo charters well before the locomotive was done and a former employee stealing and selling parts from the shop.
7) The New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railway Historical Society successfully fired up Santa Fe 4-8-4 #2926. At this point in 2020, restoration is just about finished.
8) Santa Fe 4-8-4 #3751 returned to the Grand Canyon Railway for the first time since 2002, reuniting with the railway's former Burlington Route 2-8-2 #4960.
9) Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 #261 returned in 2014 following overhaul and "conflicts" with the National Railway Musuem in Green Bay, WI regarding its lease.
10) Southern Pacific "Daylight" #4449 returned to service in 2017 (will need to double check on that)
11) With Big Boy 4014 out on the rails again, this unfortunately brought an to Challenger #3985's excursion career, which had been stored in the Cheyenne, WY roundhouse since 2011.
12) Skookum, a logging 2-4-4-2 mallet, was returned to service following an extensive restoration in 2019, currently residing at the Niles Canyon Railway in Sonol, CA.
13) Currently the biggest issue with running steam on US mainlines is getting locomotives equipped with Positive Train Control. Some have already made the purchase for such equipment. The other issue being Amtrak terminating any trains they deem "special moves" over their routes. This includes private passenger car moves on Amtrak trains or excursion trains.
What's happening to the Challenger?
@@shrikantgopinath1195 It's being stuffed and mounted in the Cheyenne, WY roundhouse indefinitely. The UP steam crew believes it makes much sense logistically to keep just 2 steam locomotives in operation. And they're right in that regard, because 1) They have such a small crew and 2) 3985 was worked to the bone during its excursion career. 4014's restoration allows it to take a long deserved rest.
Hey Chris what would say was your biggest highlight for railway preservation last decade
Hey Chris, great to see another edition. My question is are there anymore American imports to the UK you have videos for, or are the only two we will see is the S160 and the S100? Just curious about whether there are any other American imports in the UK. Also, I am a big fan of GWR tank locos and your coverage of mixed traffic engines like the B1s. Keep it up. B.R.Francis
on the plus side of 2014, Southern 4501 finally returned to steam for the first time since 1996 with a few upgrades her classmates often got in revenue service but she didn't...for some reason.
Hey Chris what is your favorite American steam locomotive?
17:00 So what happened on the Epping Ongar Railway?
A photo charter it would've been great to star in.
(◔‿◔)
Hey Chris, first thank you for your ongoing videos.
Dominion of Canada, shipped and from the UK at UK expense. Cosmetically restored in UK and returned to Montreal and have the Delson Museum dump it back in the shed subject to Canadian winters. What pressure can the UK bring to bear on this deplorable state of affairs?
John
Another great video Chris! I always love waiting with RUclips to update my email inbox that you've uploaded a new video, your works amazing like no other! It's incredible. Let no one else tell you otherwise.
Will look forward to the next installments, wish I have questions to put 🤔. Hmm shal have to think.
Keep it up chap!
2011 - I went with a group of students to the SVR
2016 - I visited my first Warley Exhibition and join the LMS Patriot Project
2017 - I visited the NRM for the first time and Shildon later this year; I visit Warley again and forgetting to renew my LMS Patriot Membership
2018 - My hometown of Kenilworth finally got its new railway station; that same year in the summer holls, I visit the NNR and saw in person the sole-surviving Holden B12 and Gresley N2; I also visit Warley again and renew my membership of the LPP as well as join Bachmann's Collector's Club
2019 - I went to the Swanage Railway where I chanced upon the sole-surviving T9 4-4-0 No. 30120; while attending Warley, I renew both my Bachmann Collectors Club and LPP membership again
I could write a memoir of my life at some point.
Hey Chris,
In your GTI about New Builds, you describe Stepney as "F***ed."
Would you mind elaborating on that opinion
(I think you may have touched on it at least partly in "It's Only Metal, Isn't It?")
Hey Chris, a highlight for me last year was seeing you give a great presentation at the Wells and Walsingham Railway, will we be any more SLIPS roadshows in the future? BTW, My top highlight of 2010s steam preservation was the Summer of 2013. It was towards the end of my first year of film production studies, I was 18, and I had the joy as someone who got into railways due to the original Thomas stories and regular trips to the NRM as a nipper to see the Bluebell Railway for the first time (just a month after it chuffed back into East Grinstead) and then see Mallard 75 back in Yorkshire (celebrating my favourite engine's record). It felt like my young life had come full circle, and it was truly the happiest time in my life since I was a little kid. Happy New Year Chris! Jacob
Hey Chris, what are your thoughts on other mainline American Steam locomotives?
Hey Chris,
If you were in charge of any random preserved standard gauge railway in the country, and were organising a steam gala with a fair budget to hand, what locos would you have on your guest list?
Hey Chris, what are your most memorable steam locomotive childhood memories?
Apologies for any bad grammar, it's not my strongest area.
MDHGames Do not feel bad mate, I failed spelling every year of my school carrier, expect for 8th grade.
No issues mate
"Hey Chris", what has been, (in your opinion from experience), the best railway gala, event, attraction, loco or simply just the best day out to a place railway related?
Also in response to this video and thus, the 2010s, I've really grown my love and passion of railways, from 2010 my own loco steaming for the first time in preservation, to events such as last year when I visited the IoW railway from Staffordshire in a day, and meeting you and Caledonian 439 class No.419 at 're churnet valley railway. Much more to mention such as my choice go visit the WSR to support them and I look forward to what the 2020s bring for global railways.
- George
The Highlights for me were the return of GSMR 1702, The Return of the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, the return of Norfolk & Western 611, and Tweetsie Railroad's 60th Season.
Your introduction is the best
What is everyone’s opinion of the sectioning of 35029 Ellerman Lines in the Railway Museum?
Hey chris, do you think you will ever try to see 4014? I understand how difficult of a venture that would be, but it would be worth your time. I was fortunate to spend a day in the cab across Oklahoma on her last tour, and having grown up around large steam, it still blew me away. It is truly one of the most extensive and incredible restorations in history.
I saw City of Truro and King George V in Swindon back in September of 2016.
No mention of the major rebuild and return to traffic in the last decade of the two North Staffordshire Railway 1880s coaches plus the rebuilt NSR Accessible Brake Coach?
Is that more important to railway preservation in general than the Big Boy, West Coast's foul ups, Tangmere's failures, the fall and rise of the Gloswarks or any of the personnel who've passed on?
Hey Chris! What is the actual gauge of Gauge the Issue?
More seriously what do you think of the issue of heritage railways ending up "too long" so that a run on them actually takes a really significant part of the day and may discourage non-enthusiasts from visiting?
This is a great question! I see this happening a lot in the US too. Cumbres & Toltec is huge and takes several hours to travel just half the railway. And the former Rio Grande Southern was the same, big trip, low riders (though C&T is growing in popularity as they rebuild rolling stock and add amenities).
My highlights of the decade:
2010: I became a member of the Warley Model Railway Club.
2011: Starting with the Severn Valley Railway during the Easter holidays, I started visiting many heritage railways by myself (mainly for steam galas).
2014: I started joining various railway based groups on Facebook, starting with Narrow Gauge Enthusiasts Group.
2016: Although not necessarily railway related, I bought a DSLR camera for the first time (Nikon D3300) so I can take quality photos whilst visiting various heritage railways.
2017: Seeing the newly completed Hunslet 4-6-0T at Apedale for their Tracks to the Trenches event.
2019: Seeing the newly completed Saint at Didcot and a visiting Zillertalbahn U class 0-6-2T at the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway for their Steam Gala as well as resuming the construction of the replica LNWR Bloomer at Tyseley.
Mine are not too great. GNR(I) no. 131 returned to steam and a new build has commenced in Northern Ireland. I have no idea how so much of our history has simply been forgotten about.
Hey Chris: after being worried about your wellbeing after the last editorial, I'm glad to hear your doing better in some respect and would like to say this one is amazing. I loved that you covered the big American steam events too (611 esoecially being a childhood favorite of mine).
Only question I can ask is: Being a Yank looking in from the Outside on British steam, yet still wanting to be a fan, is there Anytnign about it thats often Misunderstood, or needs conextualization about it?
Keep up the good work and don't wear yourself out.
Dan
Hey Chris, have you got any plans on releasing Complete SLIP Volumes in higher-than-DVD-quality? I can buy single episodes digitally in HD, but then I'm missing out on the bonus content (not for sale in digital). Or I'll buy the DVD and miss out on the HD quality. Blu-ray, USB-Stick or bundled download would be an option, or maybe disounted HD-Video prices for DVD owners? Thank you, and keep up your excellent work!
'Hey Chris, what do you think of the likelihood of 'bio coal' or other eco friendly methods of powering steam engines taking effect anytime in the next decade or future? Do you think that steam engines being relegated to completely static condition will decrease interest in the passion for railway enthusiasm?'
I think my railway highlight of the decade has been developing a greater interest in my favourite railways, such as the Severn Valley Railway or the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway - and gaining an appreciation for them not just on my own merits, but sharing my love of railways with other friends and acquaintances at meetup events. I very much hope to carry that on this decade.
Hey Chris, one question I've been eager to ask is 'what is your opinion on industrial steam', this is in regards to the near completion of the Andrew Barclay 0-6-0 'Horden's overhaul taking place on my home railway: Tanfield
Cheers! :)
@7:28 Over 33,000 people? Hmmm. .... Goodwood Festival of Speed lets in over 60,000 _per day,_ despite being at the extreme south of the country in a rural area with poor road connections, compared to York which is much more central, and well connected to the north and south by road and rail.
The highlights of the decade for me was 6029, 3526 and 3265 returning to steam (2014, early and late 2018) 150 years anniversary of the NSW Railway the restoration of 3001 starting and 3801 passing steam and mainline tests. If you didn’t guess these are from NSW in Australia
Has your favourite steam locos changed since your top ten video, and also what was the first standard gauge steam loco you ever saw? Also good luck in your endeavors of 2020
Hey, Chris, what's your favorite method of articulating a locomotive? (Klein-Lindner axles, Mallet-type hinges, Beyer-Garratt-isms, Shay gear drives, etc)
My personal best moment of the past decade has to be the trip I took to the UK over the summer, especially the footplate ride on Talyllyn Railway no. 6 'Douglas' while in the RAF livery. The loco crew seemed very friendly and the scenery was otherworldly. And I used the toilet on one of the last Virgin Pendolino services, meaning I was tilted about five degrees to one side but still pissing straight in relation to the floor, but canted slightly compared to the rest of the world, a stellar moment to be sure.
I liked that you mentioned the 611 at 18:45.
☺️
Hey Chris
What are your thoughts on over seas rail preservation (some examples in Australia and America)
1:59 Oh the classic video that keeps popping up in my recommended!
Also worth noting at 2:35 that a class 11 shunter 12049 was sadly scrapped due to this fire