What if: more Standard Class 8 pacifics had been built?

[neilmc]

And don't upset the CME, either ....

"Okay, boss, I expect you want me to drive this to Edinburgh?"
"Why, no, I expect you to ..... (you know the rest!)"

"I'm sixty - double-0 - seven.

The name's Gresley. Nigel Gresley."

 

[341o2]

The deployment of the Bulleid pacifics certainly was strange - when you consider they were still using N15s and Standard 5s on North Kent route expresses until electrification!

but I was under the impression that the 2-coach trains with Bulleids trundling into Padstow or Barnstaple or wherever were just the final stretch of the express from Waterloo, after half a dozen portions has been taken off (usually hauled by T9s, Ns or Us - far more modest motive power.)

In summer, the ACE could be worked in several portions, but when worked as a single train, a MN would haul it between London and Exeter, where it would divide into two, each portion worked by a WC/BB

It was more economic to use them for a full roster including locals, such as the loco which worked the Exeter - Padstow portion of the ACE, dropping off the Plymouth portion at Okehampton, then the Bude portion at Halwill, then it would end up with working a single coach local train back to Wadebridge. Consider the time and expense to raise steam on another loco to work this single train. In any case, the fireman would be allowing the fire and steam pressure to die down and get back on shed literally with the last puff

 

[Bevan Price]

I seem to recall reading that the frames were bent in the collision; if that is correct and the frames of the more visually damaged other locomotive were not bent it could explain why that one was rebuilt while 46202 was not.

46242 photo after Harrow:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/64518...gxh-8quDer-e1RaZJ-pbne53-su7yHg-sJfy1G-foSCmS

(Hope this rather long link works - if not google flickr / 46242 photos.)

 

[Peter Mugridge]

46242 photo after Harrow:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/64518...gxh-8quDer-e1RaZJ-pbne53-su7yHg-sJfy1G-foSCmS

(Hope this rather long link works - if not google flickr / 46242 photos.)

Can't really see the state of the frames in that image; there's so much damage to the more visible parts of the locomotive. It does look as if the frames may have escaped being bent though.

Someone must know for sure?

 

[Taunton]

The Up express at Harrow with 46242 was already substantially derailed and did not take the brunt of the second collision, which was by the wrecked carriages of the local ahead, plus the collapsed footbridge. The Down service was double-headed by Jubilee 45637 and Princess 46202, both of which were written off as damaged beyond repair. They both mounted the down platform, struck buildings, and went right across to end up overturned on the Up D.C. Line.

Steam locomotives damaged beyond repair were most unusual, even after other destructive collisions most were rebuilt at works. I can only think of two which were written off beyond repair by bombing in WW2, an A4 at York and a GWR Hall at Plymouth, both receiving direct hits.

 

[DerekC]

The best names were the A1/A3 Derby winners, without doubt. Dukes and such are just boring! There are lots more to choose from. "Airborne", "Nimbus", "Galcador", "Kingcraft" ... I could go on for hours. Maybe not "Santa Claus" or "My Love" though!

 

[alexl92]

I don't think it was an anachronism at all, from what I understand it was a massive leap forward in the efficient use of steam, it's just a shame that the firebox (or ashpan) draughting and some other details let it down.

When they rebuilt it in Preservation, they discovered that there were issues with how it had been built. I seem to remember that this was because Crewe had ignored certain aspects of the Riddles' design to save on cost but Wikipedia says:

Two significant construction errors were discovered during restoration:

• The chimney was too small compared with other locomotives of similar size, resulting in poor boiler draughting at times of high steam demand.[16]
• The firebed (grate) air inlet dampers had not been built to the drawings; they were too small, resulting in poor air supply and inefficient combustion.[16]

These errors were corrected and the opportunity taken to incorporate some other improvements, including the previously recommended Kylchap exhaust system (cont...)

 

[alexl92]

The best names were the A1/A3 Derby winners, without doubt. Dukes and such are just boring! There are lots more to choose from. "Airborne", "Nimbus", "Galcador", "Kingcraft" ... I could go on for hours. Maybe not "Santa Claus" or "My Love" though!

Intersting you think that - I always felt that a lot of them didn't suit Steam Locomotives!