Less demand for big engines as costs rise
THE OWNERS ‘A4’ No. 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley have expressed surprise at the lower-than-expected interest from heritage railways to hire the ‘Streak’ this year.
“We thought the phone might be ringing a bit more for galas and special events, but maybe it is a sign of the times that it isn’t,” Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust chairman Nigel Wilson told Steam Railway. Two heritage line visits are planned for 2023, though neither had been confirmed as this issue closed for press. “We’ve had two very successful gala events, drawing in large crowds; it’ll be relaunched in BR blue so there’ll be something interesting for visitors,” Wilson added.
Wilson’s comments come as heritage railways tighten their belts ahead of what is expected to be a challenging year. Severn Valley Railway general manager Helen Smith said she is “having to make much more calculated decisions about what we are doing and when”, adding: “There are three concerns for us bringing in larger locos. Firstly, the axle loading on the track – many heritage lines were branch lines and not designed to carry that kind of stock. Secondly, the amount of coal it would take to run. Thirdly, the transport costs of getting it onto the railway.”
Chris Price, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s general manager, added that, while the ‘A4’s’ visit was a success, he understands lines’ hesitancy to hire in big engines. “Main line locomotives tend to come with a higher [hiring-in] price-tag. Railways will be looking for a bargain, but a bargain doesn’t necessarily come wrapped in the shape of a Class 8 locomotive,” he said. “You’ve got to build a special event around a main line locomotive – it isn’t something you’re going to hire in because it is nice, like you would do for a locomotive for a gala.”