Can problems be overcome to help bring these steam locomotives back home from Spain?

I WASN’T previously aware of the steam engines (Black, Hawthorn metre gauge 4-4-0ST’s Nos. 618 and 676 of 1881-2) in Spain (Platform, issue 288).

There is a string of possible problems. Are these vehicles for sale at a sensible price?

It could be that the Spanish authorities will suddenly decide that they are part of their national heritage: An early application for an export licence would be advisable.

Diplomacy

No doubt asbestos removal will be an expense. I did hear of a case where historic tramcars crossed a national boundary on a ‘diplomatic bag’ basis to avoid removal.

As I understand it, most heritage railway sites are full up. Indeed, some items for sale may have to be scrapped because there is nowhere to keep them.

These railways struggle to keep their commercial operation going. Usually the income and voluntary labour covers day-to-day expenses. Major renewals depend on legacies or public funds. They will not be interested in adding ‘rotting relics’ to their collection.

Home sense

Am I right in thinking that the Black, Hawthorn firm was absorbed into Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns which had a works in Darlington until about 1960? This will matter if a home for them is to be found in England.

As always there will be a communication problem bringing together those interested. If a group can be got together, a solution may be possible.

Please contact me, Paul Gibbons, 4 Cressy Road, Alfreton, DE55 7BR.

Paul Gibbons, email

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