Comments on: 4115, 5227 and 2861 – do they exist?

By: JimC

JimC — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 09:23:45 +0000

The “frames provide the identity” is an enthusiasts myth. Its clear that to the GWR the identity was largely an accountants concept. The first Dukedog kept its identity as a Duke, even though precious little other than cab and various fittings could have been from the parent locomotive whilst frames and so on were all from the Bulldog. Some Star conversions to Castles retained their identity as Stars, others were given new identities as Castles. It all depended on whether the money needed to come from the new locomotive budget or the rebuild budget. Those locomotives died when they went to Barry.

By: howard

howard — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:50 +0000

Couldn’t agree more with the last paragraph, Dave. I’m not much of a purist, really. I’d have Lode Star, and the Dean Goods restored and in steam tomorrow, if I could!

I also confess to having a real soft spot for Bulleids of both styles. Great childhood memories of them around Dorchester

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:22:14 +0000

I’m reminded of Trigger’s broom in Only Fools and Horses! I agree that it can be difficult to define a loco.

Sorry to bring up a southern topic, but I remember that upon hearing a recording of one of his rebuilt pacifics, Bulleid claimed that it wasn’t the sound of his machine. And it was a fair comment, so even keeping many parts can mean a change in identity!

As for these donor loco’s, I’d argue that they have been sacrificed, but at least its been for the recreation of a proper running locomotive doing what it was designed to do. This is so much better than the fate of being stuffed in a museum, in my humble opinion!