37 on the M1

[Ploughman]

Today Wed 21st Dec.
South of Bolsover but heading North on an Allellys lowloader was 3741?
Looking very much like it was on its last journey.
Can anyone confirm number and destination?

 

[SC318250]

37413 on its way to Barrow Hill

 

[59CosG95]

Today Wed 21st Dec.
South of Bolsover but heading North on an Allellys lowloader was 3741?
Looking very much like it was on its last journey.
Can anyone confirm number and destination?

If it was in EWS colours, it was 413. That's definitely had it.

 

[alexl92]

If it was in EWS colours, it was 413. That's definitely had it.

Considering DRS were scrambling for 37/4s a while back and even trying to buy/hire them out of preservation, why now throw this one to scrap (assuming that's what you mean by 'had it' and remove the possibility of ever reviving it? I know it's easy to say that there's no demand any more but you'd have said that a few years ago and yet there are however many in use now.

I'd also have thought that an ETS machine would become a useful commodity for preserved lines in the future as more MK2s and eventually MK3s become available? Or is that simplifying things too much? I'm no expert in these things.

 

[47271]

A shame, one of the funkiest WHL 37s in its day.

http://fewsfots.jalbum.net/THE SPOTTING YEARS/1987/EASTFIELD016.jpg

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Considering DRS were scrambling for 37/4s a while back and even trying to buy/hire them out of preservation, why now throw this one to scrap (assuming that's what you mean by 'had it' and remove the possibility of ever reviving it? I know it's easy to say that there's no demand any more but you'd have said that a few years ago and yet there are however many in use now.

I'd also have thought that an ETS machine would become a useful commodity for preserved lines in the future as more MK2s and eventually MK3s become available? Or is that simplifying things too much? I'm no expert in these things.

Isn't 413 one of the ones used as a spares donor to revive some of the others? In which case it'd be far harder to restore.

 

[E&W Lucas]

I'd also have thought that an ETS machine would become a useful commodity for preserved lines in the future as more MK2s and eventually MK3s become available? Or is that simplifying things too much? I'm no expert in these things.

Not really. The demand from the public is for steam traction. The more modern coaches simply aren't suited to the core business, and their wiring doesn't take too kindly to sitting about waiting for the annual diesel weekend. Now if you've a vintage diesel with a working steam heat boiler, you've a far more valuable prospect.

With the ever increasing cost of Mk1 coach repairs, I think you're more likely to see some of the older, wooden bodied stock, that many lines have stashed under tarps, becoming a more commercially viable overhaul prospect. Don't think you'll see too many lines switching to airconditioned, ETS and air hungry vehicles.

 

[66Yorks]

Diesels all the way for me! I was born after the steam era and have no interest in them at all.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Diesels all the way for me! I was born after the steam era and have no interest in them at all.

There's definitely some demand for heritage diesels, the current preservation scene and semi-regular diesel galas show that- but there is a limit to it, most preserved lines rightly concentrate on their core business which is and always will be steam.

 

[43096]

Not really. The demand from the public is for steam traction. The more modern coaches simply aren't suited to the core business, and their wiring doesn't take too kindly to sitting about waiting for the annual diesel weekend. Now if you've a vintage diesel with a working steam heat boiler, you've a far more valuable prospect.



With the ever increasing cost of Mk1 coach repairs, I think you're more likely to see some of the older, wooden bodied stock, that many lines have stashed under tarps, becoming a more commercially viable overhaul prospect. Don't think you'll see too many lines switching to airconditioned, ETS and air hungry vehicles.

Yes there is a demand for kettles, but I think you are mis-stating the case for ETH fitted stock.

Steam heat is notoriously flakey and punters on a day out want something comfortable and at the right temperature. I've lost count of how many times I've heard normal passengers say "oooooh these are very nice", "this is nice and warm" (in autumn/winter) or "we like the air conditioning" (on a warm summer's day) with the Mark 3s at the GCRN.