The loco you see above, Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes #23 is set to return to the rails, just not here in the USA. Over in the UK, the Brecon Mountain Railway (a 1ft 11.75in gauge railway, so close enough to 2ft) is building a new #23. Now, they started the project several years ago, and according to their website, are far along in the construction but there still are several more years of work before it will run (but with no photos, it is hard to tell how far along they really are). Also of interesting note is that this year, they are to start construction on one of the SR&RL 2-4-4Ts. I am not sure if anyone knows about this already, but I found it to be rather interesting and I had to share it. For any more information, just go here: http://www.breconmountainrailway.co.uk/homepage
I had read something about this, last summer. But then forgot it was happening. Too bad there is not the initiative over here to do something similar. We seem able to raise money for all kinds of other odd projects. Why not something like this? The WW&F Ry museum has actually built a couple of new freight cars. And done restoring locos which already exist. Perhaps some day....
That is one thing I have noticed, over here, we don't seem to have too many new-build locomotive projects as they do over in the UK. I'm sure some major issues include time and funding. Another would probably finding locations that have the tools to build the large parts of the locomotives. But it would be something to see, wouldn't it?
They certainly have a better mindset for rail history over there. Here we trash things too quickly, as obsolete, or of no further use, or for the quick dollar. A new build would be very interesting. I am sure a build could be done. There are still some good foundries here. And shops with large enough mills, lathes, etc. If they in the UK can get support through their governments, philanthropy and other donations, certainly we can, too.
