The difference is that the A1 group are building a new locomotive completely from scratch. The Great Western Society's "Saint" project is more of a "kitbash" using an existing "Hall" class engine (a class which was derived from the original "Saint" design, and of which a dozen or so examples have survived in preservation) as a starting point. Any way you look at it though, it's still a very impressive project, the likes of which I'm sure we'll never see on this side of the pond. I suppose the nearest equivalent would be if NYC&HRR 999 was rebuilt in original configuration, including newly-cast replicas of the original larger wheels, (and of course restored to steam as well), or perhaps if a Rio Grande C-41 consolidation was re-created from one of the surviving K-37's.Richard Jenkins

The "Saint" project is not a new loco but a back-rebuild of an ex Barry "Hall" 4-6-0. This is a reversal of history as the protoype "Hall" was rebuilt from a "Saint". The main difference is the driving wheel size - 6'9" on a "Saint" and 6'0" on a "Hall".To comment on the original topic. Anyone really tempted to import a QJ may wish to consider that they are not without problems.No JiTong Railway QJ receives a general overhaul after it reaches the age of twenty. A few have received intermediate repairs. The reason is not known (other than to the Chinese) but the speculation is that at that age major repairs to the firebox are required, possibly renewal of the inner firebox. Either the JiTong will not pay for this work or, more likely, the repair shops cannot now do it. The locos are known to have a problem with breakage of stays, possibly the original design did not sufficiently cope with expansion/contraction.The coupling rods are under sized and are liable to break. None now have working stokers - no parts available. They are rough riding, the vibration loosens fittings, pipes etc.I won't go on. All this was not a problem when 4500+ were the major freight haulers on China Rail with full maintenance back up at major depots and overhaul workshops. A worn one exported.....!