Heritage railway electrification: Will it ever become a reality?

[Forty29]

Often wished an open day could be held at Crewe Electric Depot for the preserved electric loco's at Barrow Hill. Or a small overhead system up their branch line itself. Just a thought !

 

[renegademaster]

I don't understand the aversion to using old EMUs as coaching stock. Most people just want the nostalgia from the interiors, I've seen plenty pull nonfunctional early DMUs before

 

[4SubAsociation]

I don't understand the aversion to using old EMUs as coaching stock. Most people just want the nostalgia from the interiors, I've seen plenty pull nonfunctional early DMUs before

Feel free to have a look at the 4COR at the EKR video. The interior was designed the 1930s and is different from the standard BR Mk1s etc. The only other places that have interiors similar to this is the Bluebell at present.

Also because quite a few EMUs are sole surviors, the experience could be considered unique. A interesting case was raised in the past about the preservation of the 457 carriage, considdering every MK3 based EMU has been refurbished and this one not being refurbished in its life. At the time it raise eyebrows for being "too new" for preservation. However as times have changed it is the only non facelifted second generation EMU car in preservation.

 

[Townsend Hook]

I don't understand the aversion to using old EMUs as coaching stock. Most people just want the nostalgia from the interiors, I've seen plenty pull nonfunctional early DMUs before

EMUs (even older pre-nationalisation ones) are almost universally air-braked, which rules out the vast majority of steam locos and a significant number of diesels which only have vacuum train brakes from being able to haul them (first-generation DMUs are generally vacuum-braked). Then there's often issues supplying power for lighting, heating and (if fitted) power doors, as well as sometimes issues with coupling compatibility. EMU vehicles can also be significantly heavier than loco-hauled vehicles. None of these issues are insurmountable but for most heritage railways the most sensible carriages to run behind a loco will be those designed to be hauled by a loco!