REFERRING to Derby City Council's ownership of its Class 5 steam locomotive, I was surprised to learn of this as it has been in the care of a number of heritage lines since preservation.
As for the council hanging on to it in these straitened times because it was built here, I would initially suggest any short-term pressure to be rid of priceless artefacts should always be treated very cautiously.
Being rid of such items destroys a bit of Derby's identity and culture. In this instance, however, I can't see any point in hanging on to a loco, which Derby forgot it owned and could never be run here.
What I'd suggest to help council funds is that the loco is sold, notwithstanding the risk of losing future grants, but then reverts to the Midland Railway Trust's care at Butterley, or at Barrow Hill Roundhouse but, following its sister 73050 City of Peterborough loco's precedent, named City of Derby before it goes.
The icing on the cake would be eventually seeing it thus chugging up and down the Ecclesbourne Valley line.
Regarding Mr Calladine's suggestion that 73219 would not be favoured by mainline steam operators, many 4-6-0s of equivalent tractive power are seen running special trains on BR metals.
But I'd agree the long-distance heavy-train operators wouldn't likely be interested in an engine of this size and power.
Jon Turner
Carsington Crescent
Allestree
