Will 10000 haul trains on the mainline ?
Following the Society AGM held on Saturday 28th April 2018, we can now make the following statement regarding the future operation of 10000;
At this time, the position agreed by the society is that 10000 will not operate on the mainline.
Several reasons for this decision were discussed at the AGM, the key points being;
· To recreate 10000 will be a very costly exercise. To create a mainline standard locomotive will increase those costs very significantly.
· Our aim is to recreate 10000 as closely as possible to the original. Mainline operation would require a number of additional alterations to meet modern safety standards, which would detract significantly from that aim.
· The benefits of mainline operation do not justify the cost and alterations required. Other operators are already experiencing difficulties finding enough business for their locomotives, and we cannot expect to benefit from the type of interest raised by mainline steam operation.
· By the standards of todays railway, 10000 will not be a particularly powerful engine, with an engine rated at 1,600hp. It would not be practical, or in the interests of the locomotive, to operate the size of trains we would require to generate the necessary revenue.
· Maintenance costs for a mainline standard locomotive are significantly higher than for operation on heritage railways, and as stated above, mainline running is not expected to bring in high levels of revenue.
I realise that this statement will be a disappointment to some, but I hope you will understand the reasons given, and continue to support us as we recreate the legend that was, and will be, LMS 10000.
Mark Walker
Chair, Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society
May 2018
WHY WAS 58022 NOT RESTORED
From time to time we receive comments saying "You should have restored the loco". Let us address this suggestion:
First of all, many components were removed from the loco before it was sold to a scrap company. The loco was withdrawn from traffic relatively early and was known to be one of the least well performing members of its class. To replace parts and refurbish the loco would cost more than to obtain one in better condition.
Since we only required the chassis it made sense to use a loco which was missing many parts and on which the remaining parts were likely in bad condition. Therefore, locos in better condition would be more worthwhile candidates for preservation than 58022.
Two other class 58 locos are preserved. And there are further examples available on the continent. The enthusiast community cannot preserve everything.
No preservation body bought it from the scrap yard, nor when it was for sale at Crewe. It was available for preservation but no-one chose to preserve it. Instead, it was bought by a scrap company and a private individual obtained it from that company solely to donate to the IDRS specifically to form the basis for the new 10000.
The chassis will form that of the new 10000. Some other parts will be reused. Both cabs survive, one in private ownership and the other to form part of the visitor display at Centenary Works.
Photo of 58022 at Crewe by Martyn Hearson, seen after having all its good parts removed and before it was sold for scrap.
