What do you want the NRM to restore next?

[ash39]

I just hope in around 40 years time, when I'm ready to retire, they'll have:

* A swallow liveried 91031
* At least 1 HST power car (a mainline one with working Valenta even better!)
* 90050 as a static exhibit (already pretty much knackered I understand)
* 60100
* Some kind of Sprinter, I'd prefer a 158 but maybe a 156.

Whilst I can appreciate the history of the steam engines/old diesels they currently have, I prefer exhibits that I can relate to or have seen on the mainline in my lifetime. So I think the NRM will be more attractive to me as I get older and the exhibits become more relevant. Living in York helps too!

 

[Chris125]

But the only thing that would be wrong with the EMU is that if they were to restore it to its former glory, they would have to mainline fit it and would only be used down south, and i cant see them restoring it so it can be dragged around by diesels. Dont get the same experience.

For 3rd rail EMU's perhaps, but the most likely NRM unit to ever go mainline is the 306 which (in theory at least) could operate under the wires anywhere.

Chris

 

[43167]

I just hope in around 40 years time, when I'm ready to retire, they'll have:

* A swallow liveried 91031
* At least 1 HST power car (a mainline one with working Valenta even better!)
* 90050 as a static exhibit (already pretty much knackered I understand)
* 60100
* Some kind of Sprinter, I'd prefer a 158 but maybe a 156.

Whilst I can appreciate the history of the steam engines/old diesels they currently have, I prefer exhibits that I can relate to or have seen on the mainline in my lifetime. So I think the NRM will be more attractive to me as I get older and the exhibits become more relevant. Living in York helps too!

The prototype powercar is in process of been restored with working Valenta.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

What do you want the NRM to restore next?

It's credibility after the Scotsman thing would be nice...

More seriously, I agree with those who say it should do something about the EMUs in the collection; I rode on both 306 017 and 2090 when they were last active and it would be really good if these could be running again.

Just because something isn't a steam locomotive doesn't mean it isn't an important part of the collection.

 

[DarloRich]

I just hope in around 40 years time, when I'm ready to retire, they'll have:

* A swallow liveried 91031
* At least 1 HST power car (a mainline one with working Valenta even better!)
* 90050 as a static exhibit (already pretty much knackered I understand)
* 60100
* Some kind of Sprinter, I'd prefer a 158 but maybe a 156.

Whilst I can appreciate the history of the steam engines/old diesels they currently have, I prefer exhibits that I can relate to or have seen on the mainline in my lifetime. So I think the NRM will be more attractive to me as I get older and the exhibits become more relevant. Living in York helps too!

I doubt that will happen. You have to consider what will resonate with the public at large rather than with the spotters.

The mistake people often make is to think it is museum for train buffs, rather than a museum that has to attract normal people in large numbers to cover their costs. It is the general public who will be considered and they will want things they can associate with or recognise. The class 90 will mean less than sod all to them, the 60 would be nice from a last BR lump type thing but would also mean nothing to most people.

Your best bet is the 91 &/or HST to continue the east coast thoroughbred/flying scotsman story. You will be more likely to see a Pendolino car in there than anything else.

( I am not saying they SHOULDNT save a large amount of current railway machinery to deal with the end of BR and the start of privatisation, because they should, I just doubt they will have the inclination or resources to do so)

It's credibility after the Scotsman thing would be nice...

More seriously, I agree with those who say it should do something about the EMUs in the collection; I rode on both 306 017 and 2090 when they were last active and it would be really good if these could be running again.

Just because something isn't a steam locomotive doesn't mean it isn't an important part of the collection.

It will never happen. The commercial returns would be infinitesimally small. If resources are expended to fettle something it needs to pull in the punters to recoup the outlay. An EMU wont do it, i doubt many of the diesels would do it. A steamer might, if the public know it.

They know Flying Scotsman so I still maintain it will make money back in the long term. In the short/medium term the museum will be skinter than a skint thing.

You are right about credibility though. That report on the Scotsman restoration was shocking.

 

[GearJammer]

I guess its possible that 'the' NRM won't ever restore a locomotive again, after the fiasco over Flying Scotsman i think it would be a wise move if to have a loco restored to use they lend it to a credible organisation on a restore and run!

That way the NRM can concentrate on running a museum instead of running locos.

 

[WL113]

Not sure if it would be possible but 84001 would be one hell of a sight working again!

 

[DarloRich]

I guess its possible that 'the' NRM won't ever restore a locomotive again, after the fiasco over Flying Scotsman i think it would be a wise move if to have a loco restored to use they lend it to a credible organisation on a restore and run!

That way the NRM can concentrate on running a museum instead of running locos.

I dont see why they shouldn't as long as they implement the changes set out in the damming report into the Flying Scotsman overhaul.

They need to instigate proper project planning and management along with an understanding of their supply chain and have discipline in purchasing components. They also need a clear, defined and agreed scope of works before they start anything!

 

[corin paul]

After they finish with Flying Scotsman they will be lucky to have enough cash to buy a new kettle for the office let alone fettle up a kettle for main line running :roll:

Yes, over the years they do spend alot of time on it.

http://railphotoarchive.org/rpc_zoom.php?img=2037020328000

 

[yorksrob]

It will never happen. The commercial returns would be infinitesimally small. If resources are expended to fettle something it needs to pull in the punters to recoup the outlay. An EMU wont do it, i doubt many of the diesels would do it. A steamer might, if the public know it.

I'm sorry but we already have any number of preserved railways catering to the whims of the general public. The NRM has a cultural duty to reflect the development of the railway as a whole and its effect on society, hence why it is a public museum, not a private enterprise. If the NRM were to forget about the vast importance of the electric railway to the country and just concentrate on the novelty value of things with smoke coming out of the top, it would be failing in its job.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

But the only thing that would be wrong with the EMU is that if they were to restore it to its former glory, they would have to mainline fit it and would only be used down south, and i cant see them restoring it so it can be dragged around by diesels. Dont get the same experience.

the 2BIL used to come out to play regularly on the Southern until the mindless hysteria about slam doors etc took off.

 

[GM078]

The Midland Compound, like medium sized 4-4-0s...

 

[DarloRich]

I'm sorry but we already have any number of preserved railways catering to the whims of the general public. The NRM has a cultural duty to reflect the development of the railway as a whole and its effect on society, hence why it is a public museum, not a private enterprise. If the NRM were to forget about the vast importance of the electric railway to the country and just concentrate on the novelty value of things with smoke coming out of the top, it would be failing in its job.

Indeed and i agree they have a duty to maintain a collection representative of the history of the railways.

That said they do have to generate enough money to fund themselves. With the greatest of respect they are NOT going to earn back any money on repairing an EMU. It simply wont draw enough people to make a return. If they dont make a return they loose money giving them less to use to maintain the rest of the collection.

 

[60163]

The Chinese loco in the Great Hall.

 

[yorksrob]

Indeed and i agree they have a duty to maintain a collection representative of the history of the railways.

That said they do have to generate enough money to fund themselves. With the greatest of respect they are NOT going to earn back any money on repairing an EMU. It simply wont draw enough people to make a return. If they dont make a return they loose money giving them less to use to maintain the rest of the collection.

With respect, you either maintain a representative collection or you don't. There's no point in having a representative collection of rusting hulks in a yard somewhere.

 

[Lampshade]

APT-E, if they can find the parts.

 

[D365]

I just hope in around 40 years time, when I'm ready to retire, they'll have:

* A swallow liveried 91031
* At least 1 HST power car (a mainline one with working Valenta even better!)
* 90050 as a static exhibit (already pretty much knackered I understand)
* 60100
* Some kind of Sprinter, I'd prefer a 158 but maybe a 156.

Whilst I can appreciate the history of the steam engines/old diesels they currently have, I prefer exhibits that I can relate to or have seen on the mainline in my lifetime. So I think the NRM will be more attractive to me as I get older and the exhibits become more relevant. Living in York helps too!

If only they received the income to preserve all that we could want...

 

[60163tornado]

Doubt that it will ever happen but what about the small furness no 3 coppernob, used to be stuffed in the corner in the peter allen building

 

[chris89]

Can add City of Truro to the list now.

https://www.facebook.com/SteamRailway/posts/496021843790120

Much rather see Truro running again then Scotsman that should have been stuffed like Mallard.

Which for the latter for Mallard we already have 3 mainline registered A4's on the mainline and for such a important locomotive it should stay in a museum.

Chris

 

[ash39]

If only they received the income to preserve all that we could want...

Fair point but there's no point having items of historic significance up to the mid 1900's and then a big gap because there was no money left!

I've never understood why they don't charge. Yes they suggest a small donation and I always give a few £££, but some might not and it's a great museum, I wouldn't be opposed to paying £5 or so to get in. I know you lose some visitors that way but surely keeping the museum going and prospering is more important than upsetting a few people not willing to pay £5?

 

[DarloRich]

Fair point but there's no point having items of historic significance up to the mid 1900's and then a big gap because there was no money left!

I've never understood why they don't charge. Yes they suggest a small donation and I always give a few £££, but some might not and it's a great museum, I wouldn't be opposed to paying £5 or so to get in. I know you lose some visitors that way but surely keeping the museum going and prospering is more important than upsetting a few people not willing to pay £5?

Becuase it is a National Museum and SHOULD be free. I know that if you paid to get in many of my friends couldnt afford totake thier kids for a day out.

You may have the cash, many do not. THAT is why they have to generate a commercial return. A commercial retun comes from many sources. One is from trips behind famous locomotives.

 

[sprinterguy]

I doubt that will happen. You have to consider what will resonate with the public at large rather than with the spotters.

The mistake people often make is to think it is museum for train buffs, rather than a museum that has to attract normal people in large numbers to cover their costs. It is the general public who will be considered and they will want things they can associate with or recognise. The class 90 will mean less than sod all to them, the 60 would be nice from a last BR lump type thing but would also mean nothing to most people.

Your best bet is the 91 &/or HST to continue the east coast thoroughbred/flying scotsman story. You will be more likely to see a Pendolino car in there than anything else.

( I am not saying they SHOULDNT save a large amount of current railway machinery to deal with the end of BR and the start of privatisation, because they should, I just doubt they will have the inclination or resources to do so)

60100 has already been earmarked a place in the National Collection by the Railway Heritage Committee. As has 91031/91131, as the speed record holder for a UK domestic train carrying passengers, and a non-specific aspiration to preserve "Class 43 locomotives and carriages forming Intercity 125 Trains".
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

* Some kind of Sprinter, I'd prefer a 158 but maybe a 156.

If any Sprinter makes it into the National Collection, then I would wager that it would be 150001.

 

[DJ_K666]

Gladstone!

 

[Boothby97]

91131 will form part of the National Collection because it is the last BR Built Electric
The record speed holder is 91110 (the one that caaries Flight Memorial livery)!!

58050 is also designated

Thanks, Sam

 

[fgwrich]

If any Sprinter makes it into the National Collection, then I would wager that it would be 150001.

Most likely although they can stuff and mount 002 if needs be!

One things for sure though, id rather not see the return of the 'colourfull' brown / orange & buff interior panels though.

 

[BestWestern]

I'd have thought that if Sprinters are withdrawn as fully life expired and sent for scrapping, there's bound to be one or two ending up on preserved lines somewhere. They'll be just about the last trains basic enough to be maintained in a roughly serviceable state by a heritage line I'd have thought? It would be nice to see a 158, in original condition, in the NRM though.

Having said that, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the whole lot being exported somewhere, Class 141 style. Particularly now we have private firms with a taste for overhauling UK traction for foreign markets. After all, a 150 etc will chug on forever so long as it's got diesel in the tank, even when they're (eventually) deemed to old for the UK. I'm expecting the same thing to happen when the Pacers are eventually withdrawn, somebody will have a use for them I'm sure. Basic, lightweight and, in spite of much groaning about them, actually still perfectly serviceable.

 

[sprinterguy]

91131 will form part of the National Collection because it is the last BR Built Electric
The record speed holder is 91110 (the one that caaries Flight Memorial livery)!!

91110 is not the speed record holder for a UK domestic train carrying passengers. The 162mph record attained by 91010 occurred on a test run with a shortened, unladen, mark 4 rake.

 

[Kali]

Hardwicke. Not for the main line, perhaps...

Duchess of Hamilton would be smashing, especially with a painted rake, although Sutherland isn't going to be out of ticket for ages yet.

 

[Great Central]

Class V2 Green Arrow - useful 3 cylinder. Much better than the appalling Scotsman which should have been stuffed and mounted years ago. Trouble is the public love it.
Failing that City of Truro (even though it did not do 104mph in 1904!).
Lots of A4's so no need for Mallard.
Those wanting modern traction will have to wait - nostalgia takes 80-100 years after withdrawal. Their day will come

 

[theageofthetra]

Got to be the Southern Electrics for me. Would love to see the the 2 Bil running the Bromley North shuttles on a Sunday. Would also be great to see that original Lynton and Barnstaple carriage restored and running at Woody Bay.

 

[LE Greys]

91110 is not the speed record holder for a UK domestic train carrying passengers. The 162mph record attained by 91010 occurred on a test run with a shortened, unladen, mark 4 rake.

So did Mallard's (a shortened, empty Coronation rake). I just hope they have enough cash available to restore her by 2038 (the centenary) and Flying Scotsman hasn't consumed the lot in the mean time. Green Arrow still has that crack in the cylinder block and I don't think Duchess of Hamilton fits under bridges any more, but both would make excellent additions to the main line. Some of the older Edwardian designs would be interesting as well, LSWR "Greyhound" 563, Ivatt Atlantic 251 and Midland Compound 1000 being my particular favourites. I'd love to see the APT-E given at least internal restoration (enough to allow people inside) but I doubt they'll ever get the thing working again. If they want a real challenge, try restoring Ellerman Lines to working order .

Random idea: King George V is still officially a National Collection loco, and I'd like to see all three remaining Kings together again one day. Preferably the 6th of January next year for We Three Kings.