That could be argued for steam too but each generation has learnt from the previous. It might affect a loco owned by an individual but those owned by groups seem to have acquired that specialist knowledge to keep their locos running,hopefully for decades to come.
Given that they are now around 60 years old, doesn’t that suggest the opposite? Expecting something that age, that spends much of its time outside, to not have corrosion seems rather optimistic to say the least.
I suspect the specialist knowledge to keep steam locos running will get scarce sooner. I suspect both will be fine.
Early ICEs are pretty basic too and can be worked out and understood, where we might run into trouble in future is when locos/units with computerised systems start getting preserved.
Wouldn't you just isolate it if it went wonky - are 58s/60s really going to need it on a preserved railway?
My memory is very hazy and I might be completely wrong, but has this not also been the case with some bits on the 91s?
I think a fair bit of electrical kit was updated at the mid-life overhaul (when they became 91/1) but that was while they were still in frontline service. For preservation costs are more prohibitive, and the owners need to weigh up whether they value authenticity over utility.
Oh, entirely. My question was leading more towards an observation that it had been necessary even before they entered preservation.
Isn't there a preserved 4-CEP unit that's in the process of being returned to as-built condition? It's certainly not unheard of for mid-life modifications required in service to be reversed in preservation. That said, I can't imagine that the owners of either of the 142s being repainted into GMPTE orange will also want to return to the original gremlin-infested drivetrain!
Indeed, at least in the Pacers' case, a balance of authenticity & reliablity is key. To me, returning a Pacer to as close to original condition as possible cosmetically while retaining the modified drivetrain seems like the best way to go about things; no doubt the above owners feel the same way.
Interesting to ponder. I'd personally wager the extant two-leaf doors will be kept on grounds of cost/spares availability, but it is ultimately up to the owners whether or not to fit the original four-leaf doors.
Oops! Changed it now.No there aren’t too many preserved diesels, but more importantly how on earth did this thread eventuate from a discussion about the BBC/ITV?!
No, put the TL11 back in it too!!!
How plausible is ripping out the old computer system and shoving in a new one that you do know the workings of?
Its quite plausible if there is adequate documentation. Probably be plenty of geeks around who would like to try as well.
There are a number of preserved locos that have modern electronic AVRs (Automatic Voltage Regulator) that they were never fitted with so certainly people out there who are more than capable of doing such things.
Indeed. 41001 was one such and it also had Class 57 traction control electronics in it.
That one, if I was tasked with repainting it in any colour combination of my choice, I would do in a dark green and a canary yellow stripe.
