big T

On a positive note I hear that Loadhaul liveried 059 made it onto a sleeper.........!

It depends on stockpiles and stuff......

This week, I will be mostly listening to: The Acacia Strain - Continent The Berzerker - self titled Anata - Beneath a stone with no inscription Gutteral Secrete - Reek of P.D Napalm Death - Scum

Without sounding like I am a pain in the proverbial (Jim will probably agree I am!), I am not sure whether this demonstrates the lack of need for such a machine, I expect it was maybe a pathing move, or probably 044 was the only loco to hand at the time, similar to the way that Saltley used to drop 58's etc on the Nuneaton - NS drags. Here is another pic of another huge train, this time with 56033 Shotton Paper Mill at Donny a few years back: I do agree that it is a waste of effort for a 3000hp machine to be used on four wagons (it was probably like having a light loco), however it is an interesting and fun train that can be modelled that won't take up much space, so it has my vote!

Definately! Here is a peace offering in the form of 60044 at Elford on a very small car train:

Without this getting too drawn out and dull, I think you are missing the point I was trying to make as regards the rundown of a fleet of locomotives well before their best before date. That is where the farce lies. If you don't think its farcical, that is your opinion and are welcome to it. This is not a dig at EWS/DB and I am not anti- them one bit, however it does seem mad to withdraw locos with a good few years left in them! Of course I am looking at it from an enthusiasts point of view. I am not a railwayman, however I do have family members who are, and my friends are all drivers, and they too share the view that they have been sidelined way too early. Obviously money is the key factor here (or general lack of it at the moment) as I imagine that if the world wasn't in the financial squeeze that we are in, then there would be the industry, the freight borne from that and the locos would still be running. Of course people at DB know how much it costs to run their trains! If they didn't there would be a problem wouldn't there?! As you say it does seem to work with a small handful of 60's to handle things to 3000 tonnes single handedly, which is good for us as enthusiasts. I feel your question aimed at me personally asking whether I had carried out a monetary review of the cost of maintaining/running/rebuilding 60's opposed to the use of 66's was pointless and a bit daft, but there we go, you say tomato etc. I think we should leave it there!!!

Indeed. 074 is back out to play today...

Then why ask a totally irrelivant and pointless question then? Why bring the erstwhile removed Ed Burkhardt into it? He has been long gone, and even though he was instigative into bringing 66's onboard with EWS, he was well known for having liked certain existing loco class types, and life extension programmes were intimated when he took over. I don't assume anything - it only makes an ass out of u and me............!

Mine too!

Jim, you are right - EWS/DB werent/aren't running for the spotters benefit. I understand that, and that wasn't the gist of my post. A lot of people are amazed at how locos with a great deal more life left in them have been systematically run down. (as were the 56's and 58's) I can't accurately comment on the effect that not having greater quantities of type 5's has on the current railfreight scene (apart from hearing constantly about EWS/ DB trains being cancelled due to a shortage of traction) so no. And neither have I carried out fiscal comparisons between class types, failures and MPC figures etc (have you?! )

Like people have said before a lot of the locos for sale (indeed the vast majority) have been heavily cannibalised to keep the motley strugglers going. I doubt that any FOC will be interested in them for a couple of reasons - 1) the whole leg out of bed scenario 2) the lack of TLC shown (any machine will only last as long as it is well maintained) 3) the cost of bringing them back into service, and finally who else other than DBS runs class 6 trains? There is obviously FL and GBRf, but they have their own modern traction that would negate the purchase of any additional locos. There are too many limiting factors facing these rugged machines, and other than work abroad, it pains me to say it, but what does the future hold? The last couple of years have been a complete sham with the run down of 56's, 58's and 60's. It is reminiscent of the late 1960's when locos were having tiny amounts allocated for repairs, and the most minor of faults would result in withdrawal. All of these loco classes would have at least another 20 years service, admittedly with a little cash injection, but you wouldn't keep your car on the road for 20 years without spending money on it. This is what happens when accountants run businesses. FARCICAL.

Very nice Jim, I love the shade of West Midlands blue with the distress through use of the poles. Just as I remember. Just needs a nice Metro in blue and cream standing adjacent. (Maybe at a terminus with my Dad standing up changing the blinds.......)

I dropped this loco the day before I was going to display it at DEMU showcase at Burton earlier this year! I can smile about it now!

Nice pic Jo - drizzles always a mare to shoot through! Good ol English summertime eh?! I did hear that we had a Loadhaul example work to/from Kingsbury this week - gutted I missed that opportunity! Heres a few random ones:

I also remember this layout from the last RMWeb incarnation, and admit to have followed its progress. I imagine its a lot of fun to operate Stuart - thats what its all about! Keep up the good work.

60011 rags through Clay Mills last week. Proper job! I reckon this one will outlast the others!

Cracking shot Jo. This one hasn't had a plough for ages.

and coal to Rugby...

This is going to be quality when its done Alex! I don't envy you with all those pits to put together!!

Dreadful! Nose end overload!

Wow! - the jacks look just the job Alex. Its coming on a treat now isn't it!?

It is Star City in Nechells, Birmingham, which does have a funfair in the car park. The two "girders" at the rear of the shot are in fact the Star City building. The Vauxhall garage is on teh right, and the entrance to the gas towers are to the left. The road in the background is the A47 which runs along side the now mothballed Washwood Heath yard. Its an interesting view, and I guess its taken from the RMC depot or the sleeper loading gantry! Looking towards the gas towers: http://bigtsrailimages.fotopic.net/p57577065.html This is a view looking towards Brum with the road on the right: http://bigtsrailimages.fotopic.net/p64261755.html