[spongebob]

According to the AC loco group GNER are said to be wanting to dispose of the one off CO-CO class 89 loco. There is an appeal to buy the loco from GNER to prevent it being scrapped on the groups website. Time is of the essence in this case as the appeal was for one month.
AC loco group
If anyone would like ot make a donation to help the group who are currently custodians of 89001 buy the loco from GNER then details are available from the above website.

 

[M8 INTERNET]

This will be my first reply about this sad and stupid "story"
There seems to be a panic over this, when in actual fact there isn't!

GNER offered the loco to the AC group as first interest
The AC Group have then appeared to have jumped to the conclusion that if they don't get it, then GNER will be scrapping the loco

The AC Group have until 31 October to offer a "note of interest"

Given the financial crisis at Sea Containers I would very much doubt they would permit GNER to spend money on scrapping a loco they already own, and would present it for auction (if the AC Group appeal)

Also, if you make a payment to the AC Group AND the appeal fails, do you get your money back?
I am already aware that cheques would not be cashed unless successful, so just be aware of that!

Personally, I would wait until after 31 October, then offer £1 for the loco
After all the loco has no intrinsic or commercial value now
With the new regulations over scrapping, that would save GNER a few pounds too!

 

[spongebob]

given that it is a non runner what other fate do you see for it than being scrapped? Does it not have a scrap value then?

 

[M8 INTERNET]

If a loco is at the end of its life, then scrap is the only option
This cost is quite prohibitive, unless the repair costs exceed the scrap cost

As yet the loco has not been stripped down (although what use these parts would be is pretty limited!)
It could therefore still be offered for spares
At this stage it would THEN be offered for scrap

So it could still be offered on auction to many of the other groups that might be interested in such a unique piece of railway history

 

[298]

Do you know something about locomotive disposal that we don't, M8 Internet....??

Scrap Copper prices are about £1500 per Ton and the price of mixed ferrous metals is on the up, so if anyone was serious about scrapping ANY loco they wouldn't pay someone else to do it.

As for "auctioning" the loco to preservationists, are there dozens of different groups who have an interest in 89001...?? No, there's only one group with experience in preserving AC traction, and it just so happens they're looking after the 89 at the moment. There won't be a bidding war exept among the scrap merchants. There won't be interest in it's value as spares, being a unique design (unless again you know something about 89002, 89003, etc....)

This isn't a "sit back and do nothing" situation, I personally believe it would be a crying shame if the ACLG aren't able to raise the amount through donations to the cause. As someone mentioned to me, is it better to go and spend a few quid on another new loco or coach you don't really need for your layout, or do your bit to ensure this unique loco is saved....?

http://www.aclocogroup.org.uk/

 

[M8 INTERNET]

GNER have various options open to them
They have offered this to the current custodians, which is only fair
It could be offered on the open market
If that fails, then by auction (and this would be higher than the scrap value)
Finally, there is the scrap value

EWS recently disposed of a locomotive and got the massive sum of just £350
Yes, the metal is worth a few bob, but there are now regulations about the control and disposal of metals and chemicals, and the Class 89 has several of these

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (M8 INTERNET @ 11 Oct 2006, 17:05) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yes, the metal is worth a few bob, but there are now regulations about the control and disposal of metals and chemicals, and the Class 89 has several of these

I should imagine that there are many materials in this loco that will cost a lot of money to get rid of (by exoensive specialist contractors), to name a few ;

Asbestoes (insulation/brake linings).
PCB's (that nastly suff in large transformers).
Insulation on electrical cables.
Mercury (possibly) on switchgear.

No doubt there are many others - anyone care to name them ?

So, the owners may be happy to sell it for a £1 - any group buying it could end up with a millstone around it's neck.

regards
Brian

 

[M8 INTERNET]

Most of the parts can be separated and disposed of
Thats where the costs come in now adays
Previously many of the parts could simply be disposed of en-block

Most of the wear and tear items can simply be removed and disposed of, this includes the brake pads which may include asbestos (very unlikely)

The main problems are the transformer and chokes as these are oil cooled
The oil needs to be removed and disposed of, at great cost

There may also be fire extinguisher liquids / gasses

Apart from that, virtually all other components can be stripped and recycled, but that all costs time => money

 

[298]

Guys, why are we talking about scrapping the Loco....?? I'm shocked by these negative comments, particuarly from someone who has "class 50" in his usename-surely the most over-represented and over-rated class in preservation.

It isn't a done deal that 89001 will be sold to the ACLG, hence the appeal. If they had the option to buy it for a pound they would, instead they need to raise alot of cash pretty quick to safeguard the future of this loco.

There are many people who normally wouldn't do much for the preservation movement donating proceeds from auction sales or their own buisnesses, and kids who are donating their pocket money or christmas present funds to the cause.

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (298 @ 12 Oct 2006, 14:25) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Guys, why are we talking about scrapping the Loco....?? I'm shocked by these negative comments, particuarly from someone who has "class 50" in his usename-surely the most over-represented and over-rated class in preservation.

I was not talking about scrapping the loco - just pointing out some of the positive reasons for GNER to sell it for preservation & the considerations any responsible group should take into account.

Incidently, my user-name stands for "Deutsche Bahn Class 50" - a magnificent beast (there was one - maybe still is at Bressingham) - follow the link for a picture, as I cannot work out how to attatch one !

http://www.railfaneurope.net/pix/nl/museum...64/PA111372.jpg

Personally, I hope the group succeed. Not really my thing but after all it does run on rails.

regards
Brian

 

[neil_s_wood]

There you go Brian, a DB Class 50. It certainly is a magnificent beast

 

[Brian Considine]

Hi Neil,

Thanks a lot for that - I expect that you can see why the DB 50's are one of my favourites loks.

And to think that they were built quickly in their 1000's for the (German) war effort & still in use recently in Turkey.

Also nice to see that you can actually look at one in steam closely without the Heath & Safety Taliban throwing their teddy out the pram !

best regrads
Brian

 

[neil_s_wood]

No problem at all Brian. It's a fantastic loco. Well worth seeing.

 

[spongebob]

Well the appeal now stands at just over 50% of the funds raised and the deadline was extended earlier this week until mid November so it looks promising that the amount will be raised without any problems.
Looks likew your quid bid will be a no no then M8. Ah well better luck next time eh?

 

[bangerblueed]

I sent them £20 in cash if they are unsuccessful I don't begrudge them putting the money towards the restoration of another worthy loco although the way the appeal is going they may well succeed

If you read the blurb on the website the loco has been stripped of many re-usable components and the Ac loco group estimate that it will cost about £100000 to restore the loco to full working order

the loco is relatively modern and is unlikely to contain asbestos so would be of interest to scrap merchants but it looks as though that will not come to pass

 

[spongebob]

They are at just over 75% of the total and the sale of the loco has been advertised in rail express along with the groups appeal.

 

[M8 INTERNET]

The date of sale has been updated as well
The 31 October deadline is now 26 November