Brand new steam locomotive video

[Viv]

A nice video on a brand new build of a traditional steam locomotive the Tornado.

"The first steam engine built to run on the UK mainline for almost 50 years has made a successful trial run."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7537462.stm

Viv

[hinote]

Being a lifetime steam power fan, this is interesting news and will add to the already substantial stable of operating British steam locos.

Frankly, it's a little bit traditional--a sad thing for me because I like to see "progress" toward modern steam power whenever possible. My personal favorite is the 71000 "Duke of Gloucester" loco--although technically a restoration, it has a number of advanced improvements and is quite a spectacular performer.

Here's a website with good views and description:

http://www.dukeofgloucester.co.uk/

Also, there's lots of vid clips on youtube of her running, but this is my current favorite:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKGkBpwoqag

[Viv]

Hi Bill

As a matter of interest Didcot is just outside Oxford were I used to live, its famous for the rail station and a large industrial estate but not much else! the steam interest in the UK is more geared towards traditional and heritage rather than any new development I afraid but it fits with the groups who are ultimately the only ones interested in raising the cash and doing the restoration work.

I have ridden the steam engines that still operate in both the peak district and in North Wales for the old slate quarries, my own passion is for the Victrorian beam engines used for pumping, Papplewick in Nottingham is a superb example and the Crofton beam engines on the Kennet and avon canal.

Crofton web site

http://www.croftonbeamengines.org/intro.html

Crofton pictures

http://flickr.com/photos/timothyhackwor ... 079960084/

Papplewick web site

http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.co.uk/

Papplewick pictures

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67611923@N00/2678918759/

Viv

[hinote]

I have ridden the steam engines that still operate in both the peak district and in North Wales for the old slate quarries, my own passion is for the Victrorian beam engines used for pumping, Papplewick in Nottingham is a superb example and the Crofton beam engines on the Kennet and avon canal.

Viv:

I too find the old engines fascinating--the low speeds create a more elegant effect, and you can really see all the parts doing their thing.

Here's another of my favorites, a huge triple expansion pumping engine that delivered water to London for 57 years, and is now a restored museum piece that is operated occasionally for show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_giePu_pzc

[tufty]

Ah, beam engines. Used to go visit the Stretham engine as a kid, there's something unforgettable about that smell, the mixture of steam and grease, it's hardwired into my brain now.

It seems, sadly, that the Stretham engine is now powered (if "powered" is the word, I'd suggest "animated") by an electric motor attached to the flywheel. If you're gonna make the old dog do tricks, do it by feeding it doggie treats, not by fitting it with a robo-super-dog exoskeleton. Bah.

[Viv]

Hi Simon

Never got to see the engines there but it was on my list, there is another engine in the news the Oliver Cromwell, just restored and running again

http://www.nrm.org.uk/pressoffice/press ... oliver.asp

There was a BBC video just recently too

Viv

[hinote]

Hi Simon

Never got to see the engines there but it was on my list, there is another engine in the news the Oliver Cromwell, just restored and running again

Viv

...and here's the historic result:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNhJ0ysM ... re=related

--a beautiful setting for the event too!