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I am a member of the 77021 society, whose aim is to build a new BR Class 3 2-6-0, the tender loco version of the highly successful 82045 loco, presently well under way at the SVR. The 77xxx Class were not as widely distributed as their Tank Loco cousins in BR days, being confined only to...

Indeed, I had forgotten that the Didcot - based Saint project had to make a new cylinder block to achieve an authentic transformation from "Hall" to "Saint", so the cylinder block in the OP's photo could indeed be from Maindy Hall (the "Saint" cylinder block was a different pattern I...

The 2 final "Princess Coronation Class" Pacifics (to give them their correct title apparently) were built in 1947/8 to a modified design by HA Ivatt. Timken roller bearings were fitted to all axles on locomotive and tender and the trailing truck was of one-piece cast steel construction. They...

I have had another look at the OP's posted photo and I think that the driving wheels are from a 28xx (probably 2861) and the smaller wheels are from a GWR 6-wheeled tender of unknown origin. Looking at the remains of the frames that the cylinder block sits on, I'm pretty sure that the cylinder...

It is definitely not a cylinder block from a Standard 5. The man who told you it was a BR Standard 5 was having a laugh. It will probably be a cylinder block from one of the "Barry 10" locomotives, 3 of which are GWR types which are being used as spares for new build locomotives. I...

Leaving aside the fact that, for me anyway, "Too soon isn't soon enough", the only new build steam locomotive that I know of that has been given a very specific timetable for completion is 45551, the Unknown Warrior, for the obvious reason that it must be ready (in steam and all systems go) for...

Fantastic progress on 4253 I agree and I'm delighted to see it progressing so well. I very much like these 2-8-0Ts having been involved with the rescue of 4277 from Barry and also a shareholder in 4247! However, the list of ex-Barry locomotives yet to be restored doesn't end with 4253! What...

I know the prototype represented a small class of LBSC shunting locos but I am genuinely surprised that the heritage railway entertainment movement hasn't moved on from converting Jintys and Industrials to building the genuine article for "Thomas" events. However, perhaps this will happen in...

The Patriot, in its original form, is a direct link to the LNWR Claughton 4-6-0, indeed, the first two Patriots had Claughton driving wheels but were otherwise new locomotives (but to the LNWR Accountant they would have been classed as Claughton rebuilds!). The Royal Scots and Patriots, in...

Looking at the various websites and receiving newsletters from the 3 new-builds that I support financially (a tiny fraction of the £ required!) namely 45551, 82045 and 77021, this has been a very good year for virtually all the established (not just a Farcebook Page and a few likes) new build...

Indeed, the relationship between the M&SWJR and its larger neighbour ensured that some really strange situations; the 2 stations at Marlborough and Savernake being excellent examples!

I agree that, from the historical evidence, the M&SWJR had quite a motley selection of motive power, the two 4-4-4Ts being particularly poor "pullers" and the two 2-6-0s, of which "Galloping Alice" survived into GWR ownership, being somewhat unsteady on faster trains due to their 4 ft driving...

A really good website regarding the M&SWJR can be found at: http://www.swindonsotherrailway.co.uk/home.html and it contains a wealth of information about the old M&SWJR including the Tidworth Branch. Interesting to see on the Tidworth page that the old Station site, having been built over...

No, not a totally hopeless case since, as you pointed out, parts of the old M&SWJR still exist although not in the form they did when the line was in operation. The main growth area is, of course, the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, although its progress has been very slow. At least it is now...

I'm still amazed that the Bluebell is connecting to the mainline. Lesser heritage railways would have given up long ago but the long term view has almost paid off now - with lots of financial support from lots of people of course. Once it's done it's only going to be a matter of time before...

A very difficult question to answer; as previous posters have said. In my experience, restoring a steam locomotive to working order on a heritage line took 29 years and the best part of half a million pounds. Like most projects, it is always the vicious triangle of the "dog with 3 masters"...

I do apologise in advance for my mind and trust I won't get banned but if you had substituted "advancing years" for "loose morals" then I would have been quite happy for them to throw my down outer home around. That said, the last statement in the quote would probably still apply. (Sorry). :oops:

Easy; the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (which I do) because it has a proven track record, despite its track being broken in 2 places over the last couple of yearsdue to landslips! I have also donated to the GWR's Broadway extension which is an excellent example of progress attracting...

Thanks for sharing the photos. I'm off sick with a real man-flu cold at the moment so I'm gutted that I couldn't go and experience a grand day out on the GCR for myself!

A good point there regarding the work being done by Shillingstone and MSN. The last couple of years have seen a real change in the appearance and attractiveness of both these locations and both have the support of local authorities and communities - very important. In the case of Midsomer...