Actually , as concerns *new* steam in the 21st century , one to start with could be the new built T1 5550 ...
So let's make it the best T1 ever !
Juniatha
What is the future for steam? None if a new generation doesn't get involved.
We are currently looking forward to the greatest steam revival since the 1980's, with 611, 4014, 1309, ect. (Wish 1522 was somewhere in that list) But we will be up a creek without a paddle unless a new generation is involved, as the one that is running this great day for steam will not be around in the long run.
Even with this rebound, more skills, expiriences, and untold stories are dying by the day, when they should have been soaked up and given to a new generation to marvel at and enjoy.
I have to say that one day (may it not be in the near future) we will see excursion locomotives drop their fires, due not to money, regulations, or the physical condition of them, but because there were not people to stand in defiance of these and speak up for them. Physical probelms will not end steam, a lack of passion will.
As I have learned, money is not the drawback for restorations, a lack of people to take action is.
"Fire up 611!" might not have happened if it were not for the individuals who said: "Who cares if there's not enough money, where there's a will, there's a way!"
I think we ought to take after the FTWHS with 765. They are a group with a mission and deliberate intent. They will not take "no" for an answer.
They are also training the next generation; currently there is a group of teens restoring an 0-6-0.
Every group running (steam or deisel) has a great many individuals involved, like the FTWHS, but when they time comes, they's better have a new generation ready, or they will surely be doomed.
If the railfan community is willing to welcome the young with open arms, then we will survive, and find a way to do ANYTHING (PRR T-1, 1522, another Big Boy, anyone?). With motivation, NOTHING will stop us. All we need is people to stand up, and welcome a new generation.
We cannot turn our future away.
And this is why the next generation is important, because WITHOUT A FUTURE, WE WILL HAVE NO PAST.
Very well said , S.Connor ,!
That's what I have posted time and again .
And *new* should be !new! - not replica .
A classic reciprocating steam locomotive is no engine of mystery by today's technology and CAD / CAM , still , when I look around everybody is reluctant to embark on new design - even that 5AT-Group plans a locomotive evolved from BR class 5 which in turn was a moderate development of Stanier's LMS Black Five of nearly two decades earlier .
Am I the only one not to shy to start on a new design from a white sheet ? Ideally , although not exclusively , I'd use a wheel arrangement unique in the world and realized in American steam locomotive only - I guess you know as we all do , which one I have in mind ...
Regards
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