The 82045 Steam Locomotive Trust
Here on the SVR a long-lost locomotive type is making steady progress towards the day when it steams again. The frames of 82045, the next member of the Riddles 3MT 2-6-2 tank design, are on view at Bridgnorth for all to see, and the rest of the loco will follow as quickly as is physically possible.
The 82xxx tank has been described as one of the best engines the heritage railway movement never had. Attractive, efficient and easy to operate and maintain, the type was a regular sight on many of today's preserved lines, including SVR, WSR and NYMR. Its return to the preservation-era SVR is therefore historically accurate.
The Riddles Prairie could be to Britain's heritage lines what Tornado is to the main line. Steam railways all over the country are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain day to day services with the existing fleet of ageing locomotives, and a new engine will help take the burden from its older sisters and thereby prolong their working lives.
With this in mind, batch production is a possibility, as is construction of the similar Class 3 77xxx mogul. The frame assembly should be completed during 2010; we already have some of the costliest components for the boiler and firebox; the patterns for the driving and pony wheels are available; and we have a dedicated and enthusiastic team of SVR volunteers hard at work on the new loco.
We are well on the way to success, and all we need to complete this much-needed addition to the Valley's steam fleet - the sooner the better - is your support.
If you would like a chat about it, please contact Chris Proudfoot, our publicity officer, on 01928 787255, email chris.proudfoot045@btinternet.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for leaving a comment.