GBR Steam Thunderbirds

[Eastsidepilot]

Due to rising oil costs running diesels GBR are considering hiring in steam loco's from preservation lines for Thunderbird rescue missions, it being cheaper to supply coal and water at strategic points around the system.
Loco's of the likes of Tornado, Blue Peter and the Black 5's are serious contenders.
The problem I see is having the qualified crews available.

 

[simond]

So the pink Rolls Royce has broken down, and Parker has his head under the bonnet. Lady P, always well equipped, searches in her handbag and in her cut glass accent, enquires “screwdriver?”

”Fank you ma’am, I’ll just fix the car first”

 

[RichardG]

The problem I see is having the qualified crews available.

Yes. Some reports are mentioning the use of specially-modified diesel brake tenders, these fitted with couplers compatible with modern MUs such as the GA Flirt. The Thunderbird will thus run in a formation rarely if ever seen before, propelling a brake tender. Discussions are taking place to provide stabling for one of the new Thunderbirds at Colchester, where the nearby fire station can provide the necessary water supply.

 

[MarkR]

1st April?