@@DaylightLLC I don't think so, I reckon he's a reclusive fella, just doing his own thing. I do know that he's building a replica of a long-extinct SAR Z-class loco. According to the images I've seen, the loco is really taking shape, with external features like the frames and smokebox already completed. Last I know, the cylinders were attached to the frames. That was in 2021.
@NSWRAILFAN I'm In some of the groups, from the most recent update in Feb, it needs the cylinders machined and refitted, and a boiler, [ that's being done in-house btw] the current photos look fantastic and it really does seem like we might have a "merioneth moment" when she's finally pounding up the grades at pichi
THAT engine will NEVER turn a wheel.....reason: BOILER ASME IX ticket welder in OZ are scarce - skilled ones even more so....a group of them on one place to piece a boiler together? - not today - not tomorrow. When the new Nuke sub project commences in SA in 10- 15 years...maybe
Even if new builds aren’t 100% authentic, they’re always a treat. Beachy Head being almost ready for service is genuinely exciting (fingers crossed we see it in Marsh Umber). There are some other interesting ones too, like the George V, GER F5, NER G5, that Great Central 4-4-0and the Unknown Warrior.
If there is any new-build I hope to see finished this decade it's that poor LNWR Bloomer No. 670 which quite honestly deserves it the most with how far along it already is, and how much longer it was then left to decay...
Tornado is such a funny story for me. First ever steam loco I saw very young and got me into the hobby of trains in general and overall my favourite locomotive of all time!
I first saw Tornado when I was about 5. My dad always tells me the story of me getting really close to the engine only for her whistle to go off and scare the crap out of me. I barely remember it but I dad says he had to chase after me as I tried to run out of our local station crying. It’s a good thing I didn’t get lost LOL.
A very well thought out video Chris. I have always believed new builds are the way forward if heritage steam is to continue. I also agree we need some new build coaches- how many derelict mk1 underframes are there that could have new bodies (an idea the builders intended back in the 1950s)? One last thing; has nobody thought of making a new build Wisbech J70 tram?
To me the most exciting one is the LNWR George V, given there is only one functional LNWR loco remaining that is pushing 140 nearly. And if they actually get that Bloomer finished... That one is the prime example of a new build project seemingly going dead but all the effort would be a shame to see go to waste. Though not strictly 100% new builds (and me not being much of a diesel buff) I am also looking forward to the Class 28 and Class 23 finally being restored to working order and offering something new and unique on the diesel front.
Always a bit of a slap in the face to see how much stuff we have "saved" that is sitting rotting, not even common items like genuine one of a kind last loco from their maker stuff, and we keep buying more and now building more. We haven't effectively looked after or ensured the future of the important stuff we have let alone the rest of the junk we are hoarding as preservationists while opening new lines still having barely got the foot traffic to support the ones we have now. Ffestiniog man talking about that magic of the unfamiliar and it's power to bring people into the fold... That's kinda lost if preserved railways become so ubiquitous they lose any thrill or oddity in existing and they are all stocked up with the same few classes of BR diesels in various states of disrepair waiting for their unlikely chance at ever running again. Need to clean house and consolidate a bit or we risk becoming utterly mundane and irrelevant in the publics eye
The question of how long mainline steam will last is already showing itself in places such as Western Australia chris. Despite the Hotham valley getting WAGR W945 back into traffic, and the boyanup museum getting G class 2-6-0 233 Lechenault Lady back in steam, as well as S549 Greenmount. Unfortunately both the S and the G are restricted to a few hundred metres of track because our state government basically sold the public network out to a foreign owned company who couldnt give a toss about running heritage trains on the mainline, not even our old Beyer Peacock and English Electric diesels are allowed to run on the public system anymore without being "piloted" by a more modern loco on the front with the proper signalling equipment. Now, our rail heritage craze isn't nearly as big as it is in the UK, but with the cost of living concerns, the rail operators charging extreme amounts for trackage rights, and the cost of materials... thats the big thing halting mainline steam. It really is a shame, because if rail heritage was as big as it is in the UK, Victoria, NSW etc in WA, then we'd have a fighting chance of seeing lost classes of engine resurrected. Particularly, the Midland railway of WA's lost classes of A 2-8-2's, C 4-6-2's, and D 4-8-0's. Granted, only the C's would have a role on heritage railtours due to being of a passenger design, but I digress...
Modern signalling equipment is part of what's taken so long with Tornado. Ir's the first steam locomotive to be fitted with ETCS. It's taken a considerable amount to get the first Class 66 fitted with it, let alone a steam locomotive. Nevertheless it does seem to be working and once it's been done on one it can be done on the next much more easily.
Seeing new builds in the UK makes me jealous here in the States. Even though we definitely have all of the industry and then some to start several projects. Most of our locomotives have been refurbished pieces from static displays. Leaving only the PRR T1 Project as the only New Build from my understanding. I'd die to see a team try and bring back a NYC Hudson from the grave.
I agree on the Hudson, but I don't think it is different enough to justify for the limited interest in the United States. Speed record of the T1 and pride in general makes it easier to sell the idea I think. The public seems to like the Big Boy restoration and the T1 has a similar appeal to the Eastern and eastern Midwest in the same way.
Honestly as someone who is from Denmark, Im just baffled at the fact that the UK not only has massive numbers of steam engines in preservation to begin with, but is making new stuff too. We only have 2 new builds in all of Denmark, one of which is a replica of an 1846 Sharps engine that we got assistance from the British for, and the other is a miniature gauge steamer built in Britain at Exmoor and purhased by a safari park as a ride. We do have a decent share of steam locomotives though but most is in inoperable condition right now, and the vast majority are smaller tank engines, 0-6-0's, 2-6-0's, 2-6-2's and so on. Only a few large mainline locomotives exist beyond that of a 4-4-0 or 2-6-0, and they're almost all owned by the national museum who either don't care (and even scrapped a 4-6-0 that volunteers were restoring in 2017), or inoperable, or stuck in Peterborough. At least we managed to repatriate S class 740 from Nene Valley in the 90's. Though we also face some of the same issues! Mainline running is under threat, not so much due to regulation but due to practicality. Specifcially from the rollout of ERTMS on the national network nationwide by 2033. A locomotive would need to be fitted with ETCS to even operate on the lines, and even the wealthiest societies don't have the money to retrofit that kind of advanced equipment. That is unless a cheaper alternative solution is developed. The government did put small funding aside for it but Ive heard no results as of yet. Even then many hertiage societies don't have their own rail lines and operate on either the National network, or branch lines owned by the regional governments. But we've already seen 2 societies become landlocked. One because of ERTMS rollout reaching the station they were stationed at, and the other because the track access to their yard was literally removed by our equivalent of Network Rail as part of the preporatory line overhaul ahead of electrification and ERTMS. Combine all of this with dwindling volunteer bases too, especially at smaller societies where they no longer have the manpower or money to restore locomotives or even run trains, heck one society, Sydjyllands Veterantog based in Lunderskov, literally dismembered not that long ago and no longer operate trains. It really seems like now, railway heritage is hanging on by a thread.
I would like to know your thoughts on bringing the Brighton Belle back to the mainline. It's designed to run on DC third rail once again, but also when pushed or pulled by an electro-diesel, on non-electrified lines ( the BlueBelle beckons....).The bogies can't be original and all the wiring and other electrics will be modern. The lovely art deco interiors will be fully restored and yes, there is disabled accommodation etc. I think its a winner, but then I had toast and kippers in BR days on the original ( and luckily, I didn't end up with it in my lap ) just before it was retired.
Great thought provoking journalism …. As demographics take hold I can foresee the number of people interested in railways , especially steam decreasing exponentially , and with it the amount of money and volunteers also falling off a cliff. We are living in the golden years of preservation … Enjoy it while you can
I have been supporting Societies such as Spirit of Sandringham with a hat Betton Grange with a Mug on my Birthday last year Prince of Wales with a Bottle from Christmas And 82045 with another Mug and Pin Badge So yeah I’ll likely be doing with with a bunch of groups And best of luck to all Locomotive Societies out there
Personally I'd love to see an new build D16/3, would be perfect for heritage use & shorter mainline tours. Who knows, if I win the Euromillions tonight... Either way I think new builds are going to be an important part of the movement going forward, especially since the newest standards are over 60 years old now. New builds as well have potential for use with different fuel types to be buit into the design, important thing to consider since unfortunately coal is firmly on the way out...
I think there needs to be major political change to get the cost of living under control, more small businesses need to be started to make up for all the ones we lost in lockdown which had their market share gobbled up by giant corporations and kept wages low and profits high because they were only competing with each other. if we can get that in order and people feel more able to spend their money instead of having to squirrel away every single penny they have to afford food and utilities like its just after the blitz then maybe we can sort out this heritage railways thing for the future. Personally I don't believe the skills are going to be lost, sure the days where every child yearns to be an engine driver have been long gone, but I think newbuilds may actually be the answer to training the next generation of steam engineers.
V&T Lyon was on display during Chris's US tour, and he also saw Jupiter, 119, Leviathan and York during that too. He caught a lot of the US newbuilds already completed on that trip!
Another Great Gauge The Issue Episode Chris. Keep up the good work! 😄👍🏻 I have always put some pennies in to help these new build project! I think these new build projects are fantastic as they give new generation the opportunity to see them in action then watching them in archive video! But I think, sadly due to a lot of issues that many Heritage railways are facing like vandalism, access by public transport, shortage of staff and supply of Coal & Fuel. Some of the New Build Projects like railways extension most likely have been put to one side as nice things to have but not as important than keeping the trains going! I wish all the New Build Projects the best of luck and hope their New Build gets Finished! 😁👍🏻
With how the T1 trust is going, seeing as the frame is either finished or approaching finished, its probably safe to say we will have a new PRR T1 in the future, what are your thoughts on it?
I WAS supporting the small group who were trying to get the Blaenau to Trawsfynydd line reopened as a heritage line. The track was still extant, albeit buried under weeds and rubbish, but Network Rail - instead of helping - buried them under so much red tape, it seems that they have given up. - - Then, just look around at all the heritage groups, and all the stock they have stuffed down spurs, a lot out of sight - just rotting away.
Another new Build to add to this is Hyce's Montezuma Project, a New build "replica" of the D&RG #1 "Montezuma" The first of the Colorado NG engines, and the one that built all of the Colorado NG that we know today. Its still currently in the design phase, since the Drawings don't exist of the D&RG Class 25s, and they having to work with what they have of pictures, and the plans that do exist for the D&RG Class 35s, the 2-6-0 Freight version of the "same" basic design. Its been a slow process, But just recently their has been great progress made on the Valve gear and such. It having a Backwards Stephenson Link like Dolgoch surprisingly.
Speaking about my herritage line weve always had to change with the times, weve had our steam engines sidelined including a restoration since the early 90s when the line had to focus on facilty upgrades and changes in law...this doesnt relate to new builds as much but keeping a small fleet of diesels opperating is much more a drain on finances now then ever, and while we just finished a diesel restoration we have no immediate plans on ehat the next restoration will be due to costs...and as for carriage stock chris is right in saying most of our coaches can only be retrofitted so much, our stock is in its 80s and 90s and each new broke. Window hole in the floor or leak found and fixed can only last so long...so if laws change in america regarding coaching stock on herritage lines im not sure we would be able to accomidate, while our line is stable financially for now it we get another pandemic would we be able to survive, and for that matter how many herritage lines in america like mine would also fall
I would like to see someone trying to build a modern steam locomotive - that is, instead of copying an old design, build something that takes advantage of modern materials and knowledge. It would be interesting to see what is possible. Though, I guess, such a new design would cost even more than building something using plans that already exist.
You can't do much more with a steam loco. You can improve maintainability a little, but you still have a machine which is 5-10% thermally efficient. There are limits on boiler pressure for a loco that needs to meet axle weight limits, and this means thermodynamic efficiency in the cylinders can't get above about 18%. Even E S Cox, a steam man through and through, realised this by the time he was working on the BR Standards.
@@rogercantwell3622 You can probably have higher pressure, modern steel or other materials are probably stronger than what was available 70 years ago for the same weight. But its not just about efficiency - for example, using modern bearings that do not need oiling often would probably reduce the labor that's needed to maintain the engine. AFAIK the US had some pretty cool locomotives near the end of steam. But yeah, I do not have enough knowledge for this. But, consider how internal combustion car engines (and cars themselves) changed compared, say, 1940 to now and at least part of it is due to better materials and manufacturing methods (If you traveled back in time with the complete plans for a 2010 car, they probably could not have made it).
Yea, the price of Steel is a big problem. I work in the film industry and we get through ALOT of steel. Steel prices in the last 2 years have trebled! That sort of increase is just unsustainable unless you have very deep pockets. Thankfully the film industry famously does. But for the heritage railway scene, it's just crippling. And that's just steel. There's a myriad of other costs that have just gone through the roof. It's gonna be tough keeping these engines going.
There are so many unique engines that would have the effects on people as Mr. Lewin described it. Another thing what probably definitely also plays into it is the choice of livery. For my personal liking heritage railways, at least SG ones seemingly currently have this weird trend to paint the majority of their fleet in late BR liveries, even the pre grouping machines. Which makes the T3 on the Swanage an even more pleasant sight to see. The thing also is how long till running on the mainline has to come to a halt completely with trains getting faster and timetables getting more and more filled up.
For me, the most exciting new builds are the ones representing the LNER constituents, as that's an area of preservation that's a little short changed. The G5, F5, GCR No. 567 would not only be a great sight, but a good boost for railways with limited rolling stock (although I wouldn't mind seeing them on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as visitors). The LNWR George V project is also exciting, simply becuase there are no 20th century LNWR express locos preserved, and to see one return, potentially running on the main line no less, would be spectacular.
There was a project that kick started where I live where they were to built a replica of a Victorian Railways V class 2-8-0 locomotive. They would do a replica of the class leader V499 and the project was based at Maldon Victoria. Unfortunately the project seized in 2018(?) and the cab and tender for the locomotive were stored at Maldon. I remember seeing them in storage during October 2023. Apart from cast number plates and a smokebox being built, I believe that was all that that constructed. There was also a projected that aimed at building a replica of an original Victorian Railways N class first series 2-8-2 numbered N441. (In preservation, 2 N classes made to 2 different variants are displayed) The project planned to take a K class 2-8-0 and reuse its frames and other components, while using a spare N boiler. It seemed to have done some more progress than the V499 but had gone a bit silent. But to be honest, I would kill for a brand new S class 4-6-2
It's a pity about the V class project stalling - I always loved the look of those engines, big compound cylinders, bright green paint, and English-style fittings, but still American in outline.
@@ajaxengineco someone is probably still working on it, think they just maybe got a bit ahead of themselves on launching it given they, far as I know, hadn't even finalised the design. Always good to have some concrete things in place before going public other than the easy to build bits like a smoke box or tender tank.
You made a very good point with coaching stock for mainline tours. While I'm sure the slam doors of the Mk1 can be equipped with an automatic door lock system they are not going to last forever. And with aircon Mk2 or 3 stock the tours will lose a lot of their appeal, not only because for the wrong look, but also because the enthusiasts can't stick their heads out anymore. Eventually there will maybe be a ban on windows that open far enough to stick heads out. But then new build replicas of old stock is an option, like Gresley Teaks out of steel, with ventilators that open far enough to enjoy the sounds and hold a camera out, but no working drop windows in the doors and instead door cranks on the inside, equipped with automatic locking and door close detection. Modern braking system and a composite brake with disabled access and compartment. As for the locomotives, the most useful new builds will be those in the 3/4MT range because they offer economic use while powerful enough for most heritage railways. As nice as it would be to see a Y6 or Bloomer finished, they are of limited use as they can't pull more than 3-4 coaches on their own on many preserved lines. Large engines like the P2, Clan and Patriot are more aimed to the mainline and galas as they are to costly to run on your normal service trains on the heritage line.
Fund that before ahem... "donating" ... to buy lawrie another personally owned loco to play with on the back of a very sus video that mentions not once his personal ownership of it, shops a group of kids working on cleaning up parts as if it's some kind of group effort and uses "we" and "us" but rarely "I" to describe the purchase of it or ownership of it. 🤔 Sure Chris has an opinion on the ethics of this but doesn't want hate from a bunch of 14 year olds for saying anything or to be labelled as trying to cancel someone simply for pointing out their questionable antics.
I reckon the new LMS NCC W class Mogul no. 105 being built in Whitehead will be a real big achiever when the time comes. The RPSI has about a quarter of the engine in spare parts and an authentic stanier tender from one of the scrapped engines. Also who doesn't want a crimson lake broad gauge mogul? ❤
I feel the 5 at project is worth reviving.Future generations won't care if its a black 5 or a Marsh Atlantic .The age of Hauntology will soon fade, if there is something viable about steam traction then surely this will be an innovative and a technologically challenging project
I was most excited for Beachy Head but now it’s finished. I am slightly disappointed that it has the older power output with its BR livery, but that’s the one thing I take issue with. The H2 is my favourite steam locomotive and I am so happy that there’s a new one. As for what’s to come, I’m actually most excited for the new GWR Night Owl. I think it’s because they’re relatively obscure and because their nickname is literally me. Haha.
To me, coaching stock is so important - I'd like to see more late Victorian three-axle slam door corridorless compartment stock. They have e wonderful smell of old wood, jute cloth and linseed oil with the occasional waft of oily steel. It's a journey not just along the railway but also into the past.
i fully support new builds, the work the Bluebell have been doing to build and modify locomotives to make replicas that fit their operational requirements means they get locomotives they need to fit niches and create locomotives that didn't exist. the fuel need is Curious tho
The A1 trust will finish whatever project they set their mind to I want to see the Patriot complete ( and maybe haul the night mail) and for a new build design proposal a second Caledonian railway 812
One of the reasons I like the T1 project is because it is one of the most "what is that thing and what does it do, and how does it do it" steam locomotives that ever existed.
Yes, it is very much so. It has made substantial progress as well. I really didn't think we could do this in the United States. Being a new build here also potentially will allow Amtrak certification for mainline service.
@@gamerfan8445 I believe that they already have. The San Bernardino Santa Fe engine and I think NKP 765 have run trips under Amtrak authority and insurance.
@@NYCS19339 yeah in 2017. Amtrak dropped it due to cost. The only mainline operating steam locomotive are 4014, 2616, and 3751. Every other loco is either land lock, or very limited where they can operate.
@@gamerfan8445that and every Class 1 railroad has effectively barred the engine from their metals if they so much as state they'll be going for 140mph. The person who declared that no longer works for the T1 Trust and those who remain have gone on record saying they could only try for it at Pueblo at a cost of $250,000 per test... before insurance and before the cost of living got out of control.
With the coaching stock I believe the old stuff can claim grandfather rights with regards to some rules if you built brand new they would have to conform to modern standards. For example CET tanked toilets and different colored doors for partial sighted people.
I reckon for the mainline they could try to build a new type of coach that would be built with the best parts of mk1s and mk2s with the new mod cons like CDL fitted etc?
Mainline steam in the UK faces a bleak future - the national network has a "Can't do" attitude to anything non-standard. As for new-builds - the Standard 3 tank is the most sustainable - big enough to be useful, without burning huge amounts of coal.
I think one potential thing that will need to be considered is the issue of fuel and potentially environmental regulations - one advantage of new build steam is that one could, potentially, build them to run efficiently on things that isn't the increasingly hard to obtain high quality lump coal that the originals were designed around (e.g. ovoids or dare I say fuel oil).
I fully support 72010 Hengist being used as a substitute locomotive. I once said that if she was to run on the heritage circuit, she’d most likely be used whenever more established locomotives are unavailable for whatever reason.
Hm. The problem is, although it's a nice problem to have, is that "Hengist" is supposed to have all the bells and whistles that the original "Clans" didn't get, so it's going to need a lot, and I mean, a lot, of mainline work to test and assess the new parts.
Honestly, the idea of building new steam engines has got me thinking "they should build a Toby." (I'm blanking on the class name but hopefully you know what I'm talking about.)
Sadly I haven't been keeping up with new build steam locomotives as much as I used to. From what I can tell, though, a big part of success will boil down to how they incorporate modern signaling into the locomotive (for mainline service. The A1 trust has made a large point of achieving this) I don't have a strong opinion on what will be a boom or bust in terms of specific groups beyond who is regularly updating on progress, (so probably not the 2001 p2 replica) but do worry about the feasibility of older designs; especially as I don't think many groups are considering alternate fuels and while you could update an older design, it does get to the point of losing authenticity.
I do think new build will be need more than ever now as engine we all ready got get older and harder to look after new engine could help to take strain off older engine and give us to try out new technology and idears to make newer and older more better and easyer to look after
Just wondering whether anyone else would like to see a new build South Australian Railways 600 Class pacific? Absolute speed demons of the Broad Gauge between Tailem Bend and Bordertowm!
I don't think the locos reusing parts from others qualify as "new build". Unless it has at least a new boiler, it's merely extending the life of older kit.
The new builds will have less and less to do. In the USA, the railroads of size have made it abundantly clear they want nothing to do with excursion trains, never mind asking about heritage or new builds. Only Union Pacific runs steam and only with their own equipment, and where it won’t disrupt their business. The T1 project doesn’t appear to have a place to run or equipment for riders. Bothersome? It ought to be. Re-creating lost engines strictly for display won’t get anywhere. Running a big,”modern” engine over a short distance makes no sense. N&W J class 611 was not right for use on the less than four mile Strasburg. See the point?
I think in terms of US railroads, its Only the two on the East coast. The west coast roads are more open to it, with Atsf 2926 getting to do some mainline excursions. Along with the UP and CPKC having those aswell
The former PRR Fort Wayne line is run by a regional and I think these kinds of lines will be the target. I wouldn't rule out Amtrak certification as another possibility.
I would rather see small new builds like a GWR Metro tank or an Isle Of Wight/Midland South Western Junction Beyer Peacock; Something that can visit any preserved railway, large or small.
I agree but that means it would have to be the only party not signed up to net zero pledges-Reform, as all the other parties are controlled by the WEF agenda.
Good luck with that ! The main parties are obsessed with net Zero and are both responsible for destroying our Engineering and manufacturing base over decades .
@@michaelhart895 I agree, but I did say a complete change of government, not one of the usual red or blue. That is why Nigel Farage is committing himself to 5 years, because being realistic, that's how long it will probably take.
The Clan project is intriguing to me. They’re not really building a replica as much as a Super Clan. With how efficient the originals were, and the increased pressure on the costs of operations, there’s certainly an argument for attempting to fill its own niche as the most efficient locomotive available. Much like the Prince of Wales project, they do have a justification for every change they’re making. On the other hand it can also be argued their locomotive is not the same type anymore, possibly growing into the same power and weight range as the Britannias rather than the Clans.
This might be a dumb question but why has steam locomotive production gotten so difficult compared to the old days? I find it crazy how in the steam era single companies could pay for 100’s of locomotives to be built on their own but now days just building one engine with much support from donations and sponsorship takes so much time.
I'm not an expert in this field, but generally, if you mass produce anything, it brings down the costs because you're making 100s of that thing. With these kind of projects, everything is being made once, so it drives up the cost of the individual bits.
Considering how back in the days of steam, you have major facilities dedicated in the manufacturing and maintaining of steam locomotives and on a large scale in which thus is no longer the case. Plus, the railways are the ones who are funding the purchase of these engines while now the source of income are relied by the pockets of the supporters for these new-builds.
Yeah everyone else summed it up well, but a shop building hundreds of locomotives a year has more people, resources and equipment to get it done. A small project building one locomotive lacks many of the resources the big guys had in the past.
Mainline stuff is a lot of boring paperwork reasons as well. Every single part has to be have a full history from raw metal through every step to being fitted. Everything has to checked everything must be in order. That takes time and effort and you have to put that time and effort in ensuring compliance with each supplier you use.
@@thomazpank can see this if you go back into the updates on the Patriot, once they got out of the deal with Llangollen they had to pause and look at what they had and as part of this they had to audit their paperwork running into several thousand documents and chase up missing or incorrect paperwork and make sure it was all in order going forward to get the mainline certification. That's besides the fundimental engineering mistakes that had been made in the construction of what they had so far.
@@trainlover16 fuel availability/costs and it can help prevent fire risk during summer operations which is a real problem these days, running something with potential to spread embers out into the dry tinder box of a moorland on in a hot spell is asking for trouble. it was also, correct me if wrong, built as an oil burner to begin with and then converted to coal so it is in some ways a return to an old known configuration.
@@trainlover16 it means that they can use the coal to fuel other locos meaning possibly more locos in traffic in a day and when there are particularly high and dry weather spells they can still use a steam loco that doesn’t put out any sparks which could set the moors ablaze and it will be somewhat more cost effective to run hopefully.
Well, seeing as us Americans currently are building a PRR T1 duplex to prove mallard isn’t the fastest, I’d say that yeah, we are certainly going to see at least one or two big engines in the current climate, and and handful of smaller ones. So long as people keep donating to the builders of said engines/projects.
You do realise that every Class One railroad has told the T1 Trust that they will effectively ban the locomotive from their metals if they dare attempt it, right? Besides which, the member who declared they were going for it no longer works for the organisation. And those who are left recently went on record on The Roundhouse Podcast saying that while they 'could' try for it at Pueblo, it would cost $250k per test... before insurance and before the cost of living spiralled. So, sorry. But it's likely not happening.
Chris I have no idea if you actually read the comments. But if you do, I can’t see what your video has to do with “foam”. I am really hoping that you’re not trying to introduce another unwelcome Americanism into our vernacular.
A dream build to be sure, but It'd be an awkward fit. Like Chris mentioned, role is important. They were an awkward compromise in that area even in their heyday, and the same problem would come up today. And sure, the potential revenue is astronomical, but E2s had short range for their intended commuter work, so a new build E2 would be hard pressed wherever it ends up, so popularity would be a double-edged sword.
@@Noah_Levy yes but the amount of revenue from day out with thomas events would make it worth the price for cost and maintence and most heritage lines are smaller we arent putting the e2 on the mainline are we ?
@@Andrew-r4xtrouble is, the royalties to pay out to the rights holders have made DOWT events a liability to some railways for over 20 years. And you can get that same attraction from most punters by converting a 2nd hand industrial tank engine.
I’m a simple man. I see a Chris Eden Green upload, I click like.
I second that
Amen brother
Yep
Here, here.
Me too, first thing I did.
Theres a bloke in South Australia that is building a full scale, operable 4-4-0 engine out of his garden shed. Its some cool stuff. I respect him.
That sounds really cool.
Does he have a RUclips channel or some other form of social media?
@@DaylightLLC I don't think so, I reckon he's a reclusive fella, just doing his own thing. I do know that he's building a replica of a long-extinct SAR Z-class loco. According to the images I've seen, the loco is really taking shape, with external features like the frames and smokebox already completed. Last I know, the cylinders were attached to the frames. That was in 2021.
@NSWRAILFAN I'm In some of the groups, from the most recent update in Feb, it needs the cylinders machined and refitted, and a boiler, [ that's being done in-house btw] the current photos look fantastic and it really does seem like we might have a "merioneth moment" when she's finally pounding up the grades at pichi
@@themidlandconnection Yes, I did hear about some sort of agreement with Pichi. Very interesting 🙃
THAT engine will NEVER turn a wheel.....reason: BOILER
ASME IX ticket welder in OZ are scarce - skilled ones even more so....a group of them on one place to piece a boiler together? - not today - not tomorrow.
When the new Nuke sub project commences in SA in 10- 15 years...maybe
Even if new builds aren’t 100% authentic, they’re always a treat. Beachy Head being almost ready for service is genuinely exciting (fingers crossed we see it in Marsh Umber). There are some other interesting ones too, like the George V, GER F5, NER G5, that Great Central 4-4-0and the Unknown Warrior.
YES to Marsh Unbver!
And of course they painted it in BR black. WHY!?
If there is any new-build I hope to see finished this decade it's that poor LNWR Bloomer No. 670 which quite honestly deserves it the most with how far along it already is, and how much longer it was then left to decay...
Tornado is such a funny story for me.
First ever steam loco I saw very young and got me into the hobby of trains in general and overall my favourite locomotive of all time!
I first saw Tornado when I was about 5. My dad always tells me the story of me getting really close to the engine only for her whistle to go off and scare the crap out of me. I barely remember it but I dad says he had to chase after me as I tried to run out of our local station crying. It’s a good thing I didn’t get lost LOL.
A very well thought out video Chris. I have always believed new builds are the way forward if heritage steam is to continue. I also agree we need some new build coaches- how many derelict mk1 underframes are there that could have new bodies (an idea the builders intended back in the 1950s)?
One last thing; has nobody thought of making a new build Wisbech J70 tram?
A J70 has been talked about on and off over the years, but we'll have to see if it materialises
To me the most exciting one is the LNWR George V, given there is only one functional LNWR loco remaining that is pushing 140 nearly. And if they actually get that Bloomer finished... That one is the prime example of a new build project seemingly going dead but all the effort would be a shame to see go to waste.
Though not strictly 100% new builds (and me not being much of a diesel buff) I am also looking forward to the Class 28 and Class 23 finally being restored to working order and offering something new and unique on the diesel front.
Always a bit of a slap in the face to see how much stuff we have "saved" that is sitting rotting, not even common items like genuine one of a kind last loco from their maker stuff, and we keep buying more and now building more. We haven't effectively looked after or ensured the future of the important stuff we have let alone the rest of the junk we are hoarding as preservationists while opening new lines still having barely got the foot traffic to support the ones we have now.
Ffestiniog man talking about that magic of the unfamiliar and it's power to bring people into the fold... That's kinda lost if preserved railways become so ubiquitous they lose any thrill or oddity in existing and they are all stocked up with the same few classes of BR diesels in various states of disrepair waiting for their unlikely chance at ever running again.
Need to clean house and consolidate a bit or we risk becoming utterly mundane and irrelevant in the publics eye
The question of how long mainline steam will last is already showing itself in places such as Western Australia chris. Despite the Hotham valley getting WAGR W945 back into traffic, and the boyanup museum getting G class 2-6-0 233 Lechenault Lady back in steam, as well as S549 Greenmount. Unfortunately both the S and the G are restricted to a few hundred metres of track because our state government basically sold the public network out to a foreign owned company who couldnt give a toss about running heritage trains on the mainline, not even our old Beyer Peacock and English Electric diesels are allowed to run on the public system anymore without being "piloted" by a more modern loco on the front with the proper signalling equipment.
Now, our rail heritage craze isn't nearly as big as it is in the UK, but with the cost of living concerns, the rail operators charging extreme amounts for trackage rights, and the cost of materials... thats the big thing halting mainline steam.
It really is a shame, because if rail heritage was as big as it is in the UK, Victoria, NSW etc in WA, then we'd have a fighting chance of seeing lost classes of engine resurrected. Particularly, the Midland railway of WA's lost classes of A 2-8-2's, C 4-6-2's, and D 4-8-0's. Granted, only the C's would have a role on heritage railtours due to being of a passenger design, but I digress...
Modern signalling equipment is part of what's taken so long with Tornado. Ir's the first steam locomotive to be fitted with ETCS. It's taken a considerable amount to get the first Class 66 fitted with it, let alone a steam locomotive.
Nevertheless it does seem to be working and once it's been done on one it can be done on the next much more easily.
James Spooner was fun to see running with an authentic Victorian-era Fairlie. Great juxtaposition of the old and new together.
Seeing new builds in the UK makes me jealous here in the States. Even though we definitely have all of the industry and then some to start several projects. Most of our locomotives have been refurbished pieces from static displays. Leaving only the PRR T1 Project as the only New Build from my understanding. I'd die to see a team try and bring back a NYC Hudson from the grave.
I agree on the Hudson, but I don't think it is different enough to justify for the limited interest in the United States. Speed record of the T1 and pride in general makes it easier to sell the idea I think. The public seems to like the Big Boy restoration and the T1 has a similar appeal to the Eastern and eastern Midwest in the same way.
The two locos at the golden spike memorial thing? They're new builds. They were built well after construction of steam had stopped.
You and me both, friend!
@@Samstrainssand the Leviathan and York 4-4-0 locomotives more recently
Honestly as someone who is from Denmark, Im just baffled at the fact that the UK not only has massive numbers of steam engines in preservation to begin with, but is making new stuff too. We only have 2 new builds in all of Denmark, one of which is a replica of an 1846 Sharps engine that we got assistance from the British for, and the other is a miniature gauge steamer built in Britain at Exmoor and purhased by a safari park as a ride.
We do have a decent share of steam locomotives though but most is in inoperable condition right now, and the vast majority are smaller tank engines, 0-6-0's, 2-6-0's, 2-6-2's and so on. Only a few large mainline locomotives exist beyond that of a 4-4-0 or 2-6-0, and they're almost all owned by the national museum who either don't care (and even scrapped a 4-6-0 that volunteers were restoring in 2017), or inoperable, or stuck in Peterborough. At least we managed to repatriate S class 740 from Nene Valley in the 90's.
Though we also face some of the same issues! Mainline running is under threat, not so much due to regulation but due to practicality. Specifcially from the rollout of ERTMS on the national network nationwide by 2033. A locomotive would need to be fitted with ETCS to even operate on the lines, and even the wealthiest societies don't have the money to retrofit that kind of advanced equipment. That is unless a cheaper alternative solution is developed. The government did put small funding aside for it but Ive heard no results as of yet.
Even then many hertiage societies don't have their own rail lines and operate on either the National network, or branch lines owned by the regional governments. But we've already seen 2 societies become landlocked. One because of ERTMS rollout reaching the station they were stationed at, and the other because the track access to their yard was literally removed by our equivalent of Network Rail as part of the preporatory line overhaul ahead of electrification and ERTMS.
Combine all of this with dwindling volunteer bases too, especially at smaller societies where they no longer have the manpower or money to restore locomotives or even run trains, heck one society, Sydjyllands Veterantog based in Lunderskov, literally dismembered not that long ago and no longer operate trains. It really seems like now, railway heritage is hanging on by a thread.
I would like to know your thoughts on bringing the Brighton Belle back to the mainline.
It's designed to run on DC third rail once again, but also when pushed or pulled by an electro-diesel, on non-electrified lines ( the BlueBelle beckons....).The bogies can't be original and all the wiring and other electrics will be modern. The lovely art deco interiors will be fully restored and yes, there is disabled accommodation etc. I think its a winner, but then I had toast and kippers in BR days on the original ( and luckily, I didn't end up with it in my lap ) just before it was retired.
Great thought provoking journalism ….
As demographics take hold I can foresee the number of people interested in railways , especially steam decreasing exponentially , and with it the amount of money and volunteers also falling off a cliff.
We are living in the golden years of preservation …
Enjoy it while you can
It's very cool to see this, thank you for posting. The Tornado, the 100 mph high pressure kettle, love it!
I've said this before but I'll say it again: GTi is always top quality, thoughtful and topical content.
I have been supporting Societies such as
Spirit of Sandringham with a hat
Betton Grange with a Mug on my Birthday last year
Prince of Wales with a Bottle from Christmas
And 82045 with another Mug and Pin Badge
So yeah I’ll likely be doing with with a bunch of groups
And best of luck to all Locomotive Societies out there
I didn't even know something went wrong with the Patriot's build.
I'm honestly astounded at the number of new build projects going, let alone seeing completion.
Personally I'd love to see an new build D16/3, would be perfect for heritage use & shorter mainline tours. Who knows, if I win the Euromillions tonight...
Either way I think new builds are going to be an important part of the movement going forward, especially since the newest standards are over 60 years old now. New builds as well have potential for use with different fuel types to be buit into the design, important thing to consider since unfortunately coal is firmly on the way out...
I think there needs to be major political change to get the cost of living under control, more small businesses need to be started to make up for all the ones we lost in lockdown which had their market share gobbled up by giant corporations and kept wages low and profits high because they were only competing with each other.
if we can get that in order and people feel more able to spend their money instead of having to squirrel away every single penny they have to afford food and utilities like its just after the blitz then maybe we can sort out this heritage railways thing for the future.
Personally I don't believe the skills are going to be lost, sure the days where every child yearns to be an engine driver have been long gone, but I think newbuilds may actually be the answer to training the next generation of steam engineers.
I personally hope for ALL currently underway new build projects to be completed.
I wish I can support them all, don’t forget our PRR T1 in the states too!
Okay and?
@@gamerfan8445 What? America does these things too!
@levidarling5107 Yeah, but he is discussing the British heritage sectors
@@gamerfan8445 What’s so wrong with supporting American as well as British?
V&T Lyon was on display during Chris's US tour, and he also saw Jupiter, 119, Leviathan and York during that too. He caught a lot of the US newbuilds already completed on that trip!
Another Great Gauge The Issue Episode Chris. Keep up the good work! 😄👍🏻 I have always put some pennies in to help these new build project! I think these new build projects are fantastic as they give new generation the opportunity to see them in action then watching them in archive video! But I think, sadly due to a lot of issues that many Heritage railways are facing like vandalism, access by public transport, shortage of staff and supply of Coal & Fuel. Some of the New Build Projects like railways extension most likely have been put to one side as nice things to have but not as important than keeping the trains going! I wish all the New Build Projects the best of luck and hope their New Build gets Finished! 😁👍🏻
With how the T1 trust is going, seeing as the frame is either finished or approaching finished, its probably safe to say we will have a new PRR T1 in the future, what are your thoughts on it?
I WAS supporting the small group who were trying to get the Blaenau to Trawsfynydd line reopened as a heritage line. The track was still extant, albeit buried under weeds and rubbish, but Network Rail - instead of helping - buried them under so much red tape, it seems that they have given up. - - Then, just look around at all the heritage groups, and all the stock they have stuffed down spurs, a lot out of sight - just rotting away.
Another new Build to add to this is Hyce's Montezuma Project, a New build "replica" of the D&RG #1 "Montezuma" The first of the Colorado NG engines, and the one that built all of the Colorado NG that we know today.
Its still currently in the design phase, since the Drawings don't exist of the D&RG Class 25s, and they having to work with what they have of pictures, and the plans that do exist for the D&RG Class 35s, the 2-6-0 Freight version of the "same" basic design.
Its been a slow process, But just recently their has been great progress made on the Valve gear and such. It having a Backwards Stephenson Link like Dolgoch surprisingly.
Speaking about my herritage line weve always had to change with the times, weve had our steam engines sidelined including a restoration since the early 90s when the line had to focus on facilty upgrades and changes in law...this doesnt relate to new builds as much but keeping a small fleet of diesels opperating is much more a drain on finances now then ever, and while we just finished a diesel restoration we have no immediate plans on ehat the next restoration will be due to costs...and as for carriage stock chris is right in saying most of our coaches can only be retrofitted so much, our stock is in its 80s and 90s and each new broke. Window hole in the floor or leak found and fixed can only last so long...so if laws change in america regarding coaching stock on herritage lines im not sure we would be able to accomidate, while our line is stable financially for now it we get another pandemic would we be able to survive, and for that matter how many herritage lines in america like mine would also fall
I would like to see someone trying to build a modern steam locomotive - that is, instead of copying an old design, build something that takes advantage of modern materials and knowledge. It would be interesting to see what is possible. Though, I guess, such a new design would cost even more than building something using plans that already exist.
You can't do much more with a steam loco. You can improve maintainability a little, but you still have a machine which is 5-10% thermally efficient. There are limits on boiler pressure for a loco that needs to meet axle weight limits, and this means thermodynamic efficiency in the cylinders can't get above about 18%. Even E S Cox, a steam man through and through, realised this by the time he was working on the BR Standards.
@@rogercantwell3622 You can probably have higher pressure, modern steel or other materials are probably stronger than what was available 70 years ago for the same weight.
But its not just about efficiency - for example, using modern bearings that do not need oiling often would probably reduce the labor that's needed to maintain the engine.
AFAIK the US had some pretty cool locomotives near the end of steam.
But yeah, I do not have enough knowledge for this. But, consider how internal combustion car engines (and cars themselves) changed compared, say, 1940 to now and at least part of it is due to better materials and manufacturing methods (If you traveled back in time with the complete plans for a 2010 car, they probably could not have made it).
Yea, the price of Steel is a big problem. I work in the film industry and we get through ALOT of steel.
Steel prices in the last 2 years have trebled! That sort of increase is just unsustainable unless you have very deep pockets.
Thankfully the film industry famously does. But for the heritage railway scene, it's just crippling. And that's just steel.
There's a myriad of other costs that have just gone through the roof. It's gonna be tough keeping these engines going.
There are so many unique engines that would have the effects on people as Mr. Lewin described it. Another thing what probably definitely also plays into it is the choice of livery. For my personal liking heritage railways, at least SG ones seemingly currently have this weird trend to paint the majority of their fleet in late BR liveries, even the pre grouping machines. Which makes the T3 on the Swanage an even more pleasant sight to see. The thing also is how long till running on the mainline has to come to a halt completely with trains getting faster and timetables getting more and more filled up.
For me, the most exciting new builds are the ones representing the LNER constituents, as that's an area of preservation that's a little short changed. The G5, F5, GCR No. 567 would not only be a great sight, but a good boost for railways with limited rolling stock (although I wouldn't mind seeing them on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as visitors). The LNWR George V project is also exciting, simply becuase there are no 20th century LNWR express locos preserved, and to see one return, potentially running on the main line no less, would be spectacular.
I can’t believe Beachy Head is finally resurrected.
There was a project that kick started where I live where they were to built a replica of a Victorian Railways V class 2-8-0 locomotive. They would do a replica of the class leader V499 and the project was based at Maldon Victoria.
Unfortunately the project seized in 2018(?) and the cab and tender for the locomotive were stored at Maldon. I remember seeing them in storage during October 2023. Apart from cast number plates and a smokebox being built, I believe that was all that that constructed.
There was also a projected that aimed at building a replica of an original Victorian Railways N class first series 2-8-2 numbered N441. (In preservation, 2 N classes made to 2 different variants are displayed) The project planned to take a K class 2-8-0 and reuse its frames and other components, while using a spare N boiler. It seemed to have done some more progress than the V499 but had gone a bit silent.
But to be honest, I would kill for a brand new S class 4-6-2
Whole N class thing struck me as an odd choice, there's 2 left, but each to their own and hope they get there in the end.
It's a pity about the V class project stalling - I always loved the look of those engines, big compound cylinders, bright green paint, and English-style fittings, but still American in outline.
@@ajaxengineco someone is probably still working on it, think they just maybe got a bit ahead of themselves on launching it given they, far as I know, hadn't even finalised the design. Always good to have some concrete things in place before going public other than the easy to build bits like a smoke box or tender tank.
@@ajaxenginecofunny thing about the Vs was that only the prototype was American made, the rest were Aussie made.
@@Samstrainssno, project is completely dead
Wonderful video Chris
Cheers Chris, Thanks for another fantastic and informative episode. Much appreciated.
You made a very good point with coaching stock for mainline tours. While I'm sure the slam doors of the Mk1 can be equipped with an automatic door lock system they are not going to last forever. And with aircon Mk2 or 3 stock the tours will lose a lot of their appeal, not only because for the wrong look, but also because the enthusiasts can't stick their heads out anymore.
Eventually there will maybe be a ban on windows that open far enough to stick heads out.
But then new build replicas of old stock is an option, like Gresley Teaks out of steel, with ventilators that open far enough to enjoy the sounds and hold a camera out, but no working drop windows in the doors and instead door cranks on the inside, equipped with automatic locking and door close detection. Modern braking system and a composite brake with disabled access and compartment.
As for the locomotives, the most useful new builds will be those in the 3/4MT range because they offer economic use while powerful enough for most heritage railways.
As nice as it would be to see a Y6 or Bloomer finished, they are of limited use as they can't pull more than 3-4 coaches on their own on many preserved lines. Large engines like the P2, Clan and Patriot are more aimed to the mainline and galas as they are to costly to run on your normal service trains on the heritage line.
I would love to see the LNWR Bloomer finished but that one seems to be dead in the water.
Fund that before ahem... "donating" ... to buy lawrie another personally owned loco to play with on the back of a very sus video that mentions not once his personal ownership of it, shops a group of kids working on cleaning up parts as if it's some kind of group effort and uses "we" and "us" but rarely "I" to describe the purchase of it or ownership of it. 🤔 Sure Chris has an opinion on the ethics of this but doesn't want hate from a bunch of 14 year olds for saying anything or to be labelled as trying to cancel someone simply for pointing out their questionable antics.
There’s a chance. Work has been done on it in the past few years, and if we invest in it, there’s a chance it could one day reach conversion.
New GTI? With a Naked Gun reference in the title? Excellent. 😁
I’d personally love to see a replica rake of LNER coronation coaches, or the Silver Jubilee articulateds.
Seconded. With authentic (as possible) interiors. That's a really excellent way to get bums on very plush seats.
I reckon the new LMS NCC W class Mogul no. 105 being built in Whitehead will be a real big achiever when the time comes. The RPSI has about a quarter of the engine in spare parts and an authentic stanier tender from one of the scrapped engines. Also who doesn't want a crimson lake broad gauge mogul? ❤
I feel the 5 at project is worth reviving.Future generations won't care if its a black 5 or a Marsh Atlantic .The age of Hauntology will soon fade, if there is something viable about steam traction then surely this will be an innovative and a technologically challenging project
I was most excited for Beachy Head but now it’s finished. I am slightly disappointed that it has the older power output with its BR livery, but that’s the one thing I take issue with. The H2 is my favourite steam locomotive and I am so happy that there’s a new one.
As for what’s to come, I’m actually most excited for the new GWR Night Owl. I think it’s because they’re relatively obscure and because their nickname is literally me. Haha.
To me, coaching stock is so important - I'd like to see more late Victorian three-axle slam door corridorless compartment stock. They have e wonderful smell of old wood, jute cloth and linseed oil with the occasional waft of oily steel. It's a journey not just along the railway but also into the past.
i fully support new builds, the work the Bluebell have been doing to build and modify locomotives to make replicas that fit their operational requirements means they get locomotives they need to fit niches and create locomotives that didn't exist.
the fuel need is Curious tho
East Broad Top in the US actually did this and built new coaches with new materials but made to look like old wooden-style cars.
There are a couple of railroads that have built replica coaches for their operations; notably the Colorado ones
The A1 trust will finish whatever project they set their mind to I want to see the Patriot complete ( and maybe haul the night mail) and for a new build design proposal a second Caledonian railway 812
Why not a 903?
@richardharrold9736 do you think they could be fixed?
One of the reasons I like the T1 project is because it is one of the most "what is that thing and what does it do, and how does it do it" steam locomotives that ever existed.
Yes, it is very much so. It has made substantial progress as well. I really didn't think we could do this in the United States. Being a new build here also potentially will allow Amtrak certification for mainline service.
@NYCS19339 sorry it very unlikely that Amtrak will allow a steam engines to travel under its own power on their trackage.
@@gamerfan8445 I believe that they already have. The San Bernardino Santa Fe engine and I think NKP 765 have run trips under Amtrak authority and insurance.
@@NYCS19339 yeah in 2017. Amtrak dropped it due to cost. The only mainline operating steam locomotive are 4014, 2616, and 3751. Every other loco is either land lock, or very limited where they can operate.
@@gamerfan8445that and every Class 1 railroad has effectively barred the engine from their metals if they so much as state they'll be going for 140mph. The person who declared that no longer works for the T1 Trust and those who remain have gone on record saying they could only try for it at Pueblo at a cost of $250,000 per test... before insurance and before the cost of living got out of control.
With the coaching stock I believe the old stuff can claim grandfather rights with regards to some rules if you built brand new they would have to conform to modern standards. For example CET tanked toilets and different colored doors for partial sighted people.
Interesting that this came out, the same week as Beachy Head.
I reckon for the mainline they could try to build a new type of coach that would be built with the best parts of mk1s and mk2s with the new mod cons like CDL fitted etc?
That way they look someone prototypical for those who demand realism and accuracy but is also compliant with ORR and DFT standards.
Mainline steam in the UK faces a bleak future - the national network has a "Can't do" attitude to anything non-standard.
As for new-builds - the Standard 3 tank is the most sustainable - big enough to be useful, without burning huge amounts of coal.
I think one potential thing that will need to be considered is the issue of fuel and potentially environmental regulations - one advantage of new build steam is that one could, potentially, build them to run efficiently on things that isn't the increasingly hard to obtain high quality lump coal that the originals were designed around (e.g. ovoids or dare I say fuel oil).
I fully support 72010 Hengist being used as a substitute locomotive. I once said that if she was to run on the heritage circuit, she’d most likely be used whenever more established locomotives are unavailable for whatever reason.
Hm. The problem is, although it's a nice problem to have, is that "Hengist" is supposed to have all the bells and whistles that the original "Clans" didn't get, so it's going to need a lot, and I mean, a lot, of mainline work to test and assess the new parts.
Honestly, the idea of building new steam engines has got me thinking "they should build a Toby." (I'm blanking on the class name but hopefully you know what I'm talking about.)
J70
@@davidwhiting1761 yeah, that. Thank you.
Sadly I haven't been keeping up with new build steam locomotives as much as I used to. From what I can tell, though, a big part of success will boil down to how they incorporate modern signaling into the locomotive (for mainline service. The A1 trust has made a large point of achieving this)
I don't have a strong opinion on what will be a boom or bust in terms of specific groups beyond who is regularly updating on progress, (so probably not the 2001 p2 replica) but do worry about the feasibility of older designs; especially as I don't think many groups are considering alternate fuels and while you could update an older design, it does get to the point of losing authenticity.
Great video as always Chris, certainly food for thought. 🙂
I do think new build will be need more than ever now as engine we all ready got get older and harder to look after new engine could help to take strain off older engine and give us to try out new technology and idears to make newer and older more better and easyer to look after
Just wondering whether anyone else would like to see a new build South Australian Railways 600 Class pacific? Absolute speed demons of the Broad Gauge between Tailem Bend and Bordertowm!
RPSI are thinking about building a new NCC Mogul
I think some of the new build tank engines should also have optional tenders built so they can work on the mainlines
Would you be doing Locos in profile on the new build engines when they are finished? Like the H2 Atlantic? Or the GWR Grange?
Were you an extra in the new episode of house of the dragon? Swear I just saw you in the throne room
I don't think the locos reusing parts from others qualify as "new build". Unless it has at least a new boiler, it's merely extending the life of older kit.
The new builds will have less and less to do. In the USA, the railroads of size have made it abundantly clear they want nothing to do with excursion trains, never mind asking about heritage or new builds. Only Union Pacific runs steam and only with their own equipment, and where it won’t disrupt their business. The T1 project doesn’t appear to have a place to run or equipment for riders. Bothersome? It ought to be. Re-creating lost engines strictly for display won’t get anywhere. Running a big,”modern” engine over a short distance makes no sense. N&W J class 611 was not right for use on the less than four mile Strasburg. See the point?
I think in terms of US railroads, its Only the two on the East coast. The west coast roads are more open to it, with Atsf 2926 getting to do some mainline excursions. Along with the UP and CPKC having those aswell
The former PRR Fort Wayne line is run by a regional and I think these kinds of lines will be the target. I wouldn't rule out Amtrak certification as another possibility.
hi chris you haven't mentione the holden f 5
I would rather see small new builds like a GWR Metro tank or an Isle Of Wight/Midland South Western Junction Beyer Peacock; Something that can visit any preserved railway, large or small.
We need a complete change of government to give the Heritage railways a brighter future. We have a choice to start that process on the 4th of July.
I agree but that means it would have to be the only party not signed up to net zero pledges-Reform, as all the other parties are controlled by the WEF agenda.
Good luck with that ! The main parties are obsessed with net Zero and are both responsible for destroying our Engineering and manufacturing base over decades .
@@michaelhart895 I agree, but I did say a complete change of government, not one of the usual red or blue. That is why Nigel Farage is committing himself to 5 years, because being realistic, that's how long it will probably take.
Surprised no mention of the 47XX and the loss of Thornbury Castle.
I suspect Thornbury Castle will eventually reappear as a working Star.
@richardharrold9736
Now we have a low mileage Castle which has lost its boiler.
The Clan project is intriguing to me. They’re not really building a replica as much as a Super Clan. With how efficient the originals were, and the increased pressure on the costs of operations, there’s certainly an argument for attempting to fill its own niche as the most efficient locomotive available. Much like the Prince of Wales project, they do have a justification for every change they’re making. On the other hand it can also be argued their locomotive is not the same type anymore, possibly growing into the same power and weight range as the Britannias rather than the Clans.
In the 21st century, the United States has completed three steam locomotives. Only two of which have ever been operational.
I wouldn’t mind some new cr coaches being built
We got GTA 6 before the Doncaster P2 newbuild
I want to build a dolias iorn works d class
How long until the IMLEC from last year?
It's been on DVD and Download since last October, available from www.e-gmedia.co.uk/shop
Are you going to release it on RUclips like the last one?
@@aidanproductions3691 as much as I would like to, IMLEC on RUclips hasn't proven sustainable for the channel. So it will have to remain as it is
Hey Chris, what do you think about the PRR T-1 Trust building a new Pennsy T-1 Duplex?
This might be a dumb question but why has steam locomotive production gotten so difficult compared to the old days?
I find it crazy how in the steam era single companies could pay for 100’s of locomotives to be built on their own but now days just building one engine with much support from donations and sponsorship takes so much time.
I'm not an expert in this field, but generally, if you mass produce anything, it brings down the costs because you're making 100s of that thing. With these kind of projects, everything is being made once, so it drives up the cost of the individual bits.
Considering how back in the days of steam, you have major facilities dedicated in the manufacturing and maintaining of steam locomotives and on a large scale in which thus is no longer the case. Plus, the railways are the ones who are funding the purchase of these engines while now the source of income are relied by the pockets of the supporters for these new-builds.
Yeah everyone else summed it up well, but a shop building hundreds of locomotives a year has more people, resources and equipment to get it done. A small project building one locomotive lacks many of the resources the big guys had in the past.
Mainline stuff is a lot of boring paperwork reasons as well. Every single part has to be have a full history from raw metal through every step to being fitted. Everything has to checked everything must be in order. That takes time and effort and you have to put that time and effort in ensuring compliance with each supplier you use.
@@thomazpank can see this if you go back into the updates on the Patriot, once they got out of the deal with Llangollen they had to pause and look at what they had and as part of this they had to audit their paperwork running into several thousand documents and chase up missing or incorrect paperwork and make sure it was all in order going forward to get the mainline certification. That's besides the fundimental engineering mistakes that had been made in the construction of what they had so far.
😊👍👍
L1 2-6-4t
So long as the new builds don't have the issues the originals had!
wouldn't it make sense to paint Mk2's into Mk1 liverys?
sure their bigger, heavier, and modern but it can fool a lot of people.
32424 is done lol
Haven't finished painting and testing her yet
@@ChristheXelent true true
It has moved under its own steam
@caledonianrailway1233 it has, but there is still testing, final adjustments and final painting to undertake before she's officially 'done'
@@ChristheXelent ok
I have to say I like the Brighton Atlantic but I don't like the name could you maybe in your next video call it if that's not too much too much to ask
And add to this, fuel. NYMR are seriously looking at oil burning, and the conversion doesn't come cheap.
I read somewhere that the Dub dees were built to either be coal or oil fired though due to war times so it does make sense tbf.
So where's the logic in converting then?
@@trainlover16 fuel availability/costs and it can help prevent fire risk during summer operations which is a real problem these days, running something with potential to spread embers out into the dry tinder box of a moorland on in a hot spell is asking for trouble.
it was also, correct me if wrong, built as an oil burner to begin with and then converted to coal so it is in some ways a return to an old known configuration.
@@trainlover16 it means that they can use the coal to fuel other locos meaning possibly more locos in traffic in a day and when there are particularly high and dry weather spells they can still use a steam loco that doesn’t put out any sparks which could set the moors ablaze and it will be somewhat more cost effective to run hopefully.
I’d be happy if the NYMR kept using coal. It would be very costly for them to convert to entirely oil, and the experience wouldn’t be the same.
Well, seeing as us Americans currently are building a PRR T1 duplex to prove mallard isn’t the fastest, I’d say that yeah, we are certainly going to see at least one or two big engines in the current climate, and and handful of smaller ones. So long as people keep donating to the builders of said engines/projects.
You do realise that every Class One railroad has told the T1 Trust that they will effectively ban the locomotive from their metals if they dare attempt it, right?
Besides which, the member who declared they were going for it no longer works for the organisation. And those who are left recently went on record on The Roundhouse Podcast saying that while they 'could' try for it at Pueblo, it would cost $250k per test... before insurance and before the cost of living spiralled.
So, sorry. But it's likely not happening.
Chris I have no idea if you actually read the comments. But if you do, I can’t see what your video has to do with “foam”. I am really hoping that you’re not trying to introduce another unwelcome Americanism into our vernacular.
we need to build an e2 its for the lore
A dream build to be sure, but It'd be an awkward fit. Like Chris mentioned, role is important. They were an awkward compromise in that area even in their heyday, and the same problem would come up today.
And sure, the potential revenue is astronomical, but E2s had short range for their intended commuter work, so a new build E2 would be hard pressed wherever it ends up, so popularity would be a double-edged sword.
@@Noah_Levy yes but the amount of revenue from day out with thomas events would make it worth the price for cost and maintence and most heritage lines are smaller we arent putting the e2 on the mainline are we ?
@@Andrew-r4xtrouble is, the royalties to pay out to the rights holders have made DOWT events a liability to some railways for over 20 years. And you can get that same attraction from most punters by converting a 2nd hand industrial tank engine.