End of Preserved Locos of ANY kind on the Mainlines?

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Thu Jan 07, 2021 5:45 pm

Now, I know that Britain is not the USA.

But they share similarities in rail preservation.

This is the latest dispatch by Britain's Deltic Preservation Society, the owner of three high-speed English Electric "Deltic" diesel locomotives:

https://www.thedps.co.uk/post/the-futur ... e-mainline

Quote:

As we approach the 40th anniversary next year of the Deltic Scotsman Farewell, the very last Deltic working for British Rail on January 2, 1982, we are at a pivotal moment in our three locos' future. I set out below an ambitious vision for the locos and our crown jewels; our Deltic Power Units. I don’t believe I am exaggerating, if I say that the challenges we face now are the biggest we have ever faced and that failure to meet those challenges will lead to the cessation of Deltic operation within a few years. January 2, 2022 may be the last opportunity to celebrate a memorable anniversary date for this event as by the time we get to 45 years and definitely 50 years European Rail Train Management System (ERTMS) (i.e. in-cab signalling) will be in full flow at the south end of the ECML and without this equipment at a cost circa £650,000 [$885,000] per locomotive, they cannot operate in the area.

(Emphasis mine.)

Does anyone know how to make a million dollars in locomotive charter fees?

To put this in proper perspective:
The first two acquired in 1982 were acquired for a payment of approximately £33,000 to British Rail--the equivalent of £127,500 or $174,500 in 2021 money. TWO locos. (The third was a separate transaction later.)

Basically, the upgrade costs are ten times what they paid to acquire them, adjusted for inflation.

If you need to ask why Bennett Levin/Juniata Terminal retired their PRR E8 duo, you now have an idea.

Is there even a future in bothering? Anyone have low-cost alternatives for PTC, from temporary plug-ins to that extra loco behind the "star"??

kew · **Joined:** Sun Apr 02, 2017 3:13 am **Posts:** 129

Perhaps like all other electronics, their cost will have come down out of the stratosphere by then.

Why are these "compulsory for main line operation" train radios and their ilk so expensive? Your average smart phone is far more capable and costs a lot less.

EJ Berry · **Posted:** Thu Jan 07, 2021 7:19 pm

You can't run in the USA without either I-ETMS or ACSES, depending on whose Main Line you want to use. That's why N&W 611 was escorted to and from Leaman Place while enroutre to East Strasburg in 2019.

Phil Mulligan

car57 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 07, 2021 11:14 pm

Certainly in the UK with our multiple unit the railway operating companies have offered to install systems so they can then utilize the train, at significant reduction in installation costs or for free. Its good to keep amazing relationships and as far as privately owned locomotives goes the UK is nothing like the restrictive US and therefore mainline certified locomotives are capable of operating for anyone anywhere earning money on freight or charters.

Mike P

End of Preserved Locos of ANY kind on the Mainlines?

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