12 inch to the foot model

[Meiriongwril]

There are nascent plans to investigate the feasibility of a new build C&MLR locomotive. See Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/562353547490786/

New members of this group are welcomed!!

[jhb171achill]

Where would they operate it?

The Irish market and financial feasibility for such projects is worlds apart from that in Britain. Such a project is highly unlikely to satisfy an economic feasibility study.

[minister_for_hardship]

Unless it is based on a railway where it can recoup costs I can't see this working. 'Sharing' it between the small pool of existing ng preserved lines is a recipe for squabbling. There might be a case for a broad gauge new-build but either way I very much doubt the necessary cash could be raised in the first place. 

[jhb171achill]

The RPSI has looked at doing a new build Jeep, which in practical terms would be by FAR the most useful such project in Ireland.

A new build loco might be nice for Waterford & Siur Valley; it's the only 3ft gauge line where it could get a decent run.

They'd be far more likely to succeed by restoring the ex-C & L "Lady Edith", or one of the surviving Donegal tanks if they really want to do 3ft gauge.

[minister_for_hardship]

13 hours ago, jhb171achill said:

The RPSI has looked at doing a new build Jeep, which in practical terms would be by FAR the most useful such project in Ireland.

A new build loco might be nice for Waterford & Siur Valley; it's the only 3ft gauge line where it could get a decent run.

They'd be far more likely to succeed by restoring the ex-C & L "Lady Edith", or one of the surviving Donegal tanks if they really want to do 3ft gauge.

Moyasta has designs on bringing Lady Edith back.

The Donegal tanks (e.g. Meenglas) are quite large machines in Irish NG terms, a 4-4-0T type would be more manageable.

Edited January 29, 2018 by minister_for_hardship

[jhb171achill]

Lady Edith would be ideal. As an existing type of loco, certain "grandfather rights" would apply which would not be allowable on a new-build.

[jhb171achill]

The bookface page suggesting / promoting this has dropped the idea.

[Mayner]

On 2/2/2018 at 7:05 AM, jhb171achill said:

The bookface page suggesting / promoting this has dropped the idea.

Setting up a group to support/fund the overhaul of a locomotive on an existing narrow gauge line is a more practical proposition.

Its unlikely the promoters of the group understand the costs involved in overhauling even a small narrow gauge steam locomotive (over £150k for Russell 2' gauge 2-6-2t  mechanical overhaul, re-tube boiler) it will be interesting to see how much supporters pould be prepared to pledge/subscribe to the restoration of Dromad annually

[Meiriongwril]

Just love the old can't do attitude!

[Garfield]

4 hours ago, Meiriongwril said:

Just love the old can't do attitude!

In fairness, JB and others here 'have done' and are all too familiar with the extent of the work and financial effort involved.

With several existing locos in dire need of work and the fundraising to get it underway, I thought it was a little odd to be looking at a new build...

[minister_for_hardship]

3 hours ago, Meiriongwril said:

Just love the old can't do attitude!

Many people on this site would love for a project like this to come to something, but Ireland is nothing like the uk in terms of population or level of interest in such things.

The history of preservation here is littered with abandoned projects and bust-ups.

 

[jhb171achill]

Correct, folks. This project is indeed subjected to a "can't do" attitude; not because of the comments of the naysayers, but because of the truth on their statements and the unrealistic, albeit well-meant proposals of the promoters. It's a case, unfortunately, of "don't shoot the messenger"!