The "Barber" saga continues

 

Last night the South Tynedale Railway published an image on their social media of the completed work to radically alter the appearance of historically important Thomas Green 0-6-2 "Barber".  The loco, pictured above was built in 1908 by Thomas Green & Sons of Leeds and spent its entire working life on the Harrogate Gas Works railway. It was even used during the construction of the railway. "Barber" was named after Francis Barber who was the chairman of the gasworks. It is also thought to be the only Thomas Green locomotive left in this part of the world "Barber" was built with a cut-down cab to allow it to fit through a tunnel with a reduced clearance, hence the somewhat squat appearance.

Prior to 2015 "Barber" was last steamed in the 1940s by which time it was worn out. The rear of the frames were extremely weak due to the lowered cab. And there were also issues with its regulator. The engine had been rebuilt a number of times during its working life and even visited Hunslet Works for repair.

When the line closed "Barber" remained on site and there were plans to mount the loco on a plinth locally. But the decision was made by the North Eastern Gas Board for the Narrow gauge railway society to find a suitable home for the loco and it was moved to Copley Hill store of the Leeds city museum. The restoration was started here but it wasn't till 2015 that "Barber" steamed again.

Eventually "Barber" was moved to Armley Mills in Leeds. But priority was given to other projects. During the summer of 1983 "Barber" was moved to the workshops of the nearby Bradford Industrial Museum, work on the main components took place here and it returned to Armley Mills in 1991, but little to no further work was carried out there. In 2004 "Barber was transferred to the South Tynedale railway and launched a £100,000 appeal to return the loco to steam. The work was carried out by Alan Keef and "Barber" steamed again at a launch weekend during the 2015 May Bank Holiday where it was joined by Peckett "Harrogate".

In April 2021 the South Tynedale Railway published the "Barber Conservation Management Plan" which outlined the plans to significantly alter the appearance of the loco by raising the cab and chimney heights. This plan divided enthusiasts as many would prefer the loco to remain in its as-built historical appearance.

I'll openly admit to being one of the more vocal about these plans. Whilst I'm glad the loco is still with us and steaming. I feel like the work carried out to alter the historic appearance shows a total disregard and respect for the history and heritage of Barber. Furthermore, it was mentioned in the conservation management plan that no original material would be cut into. However, "leaked" workshop photos clearly showed that the original material had been cut into. Again showing a total disregard for the loco's historic nature. Had the railway made it's intentions to radically alter the appearance several years prior when they were looking for funding to restore the loco it seems unlikely that they would have secured it.

Being over 6 feet tall I can appreciate that the cab of Barber must have been an uncomfortable environment to work in. However, not everyone who crewed the loco believed that the height needed to be changed. And a more practical solution of hard hats/bump caps was suggested.

It was pointed out to me by a volunteer at the railway that Barber would never have been suitable for the railway's long-term goals of extending to Haltwhislte, so would have been sidelined in favor of a more powerful machine. So why waste time, money, and resources butchering something that'll probably end up sidelined? Surely a more sensible thing would have been to sell the loco as is and then use that money to secure a more appropriate locomotive.

Whilst enthusiasts only make up a small percentage of revenue for a heritage railway. That is still a percentage that, in this day and age a railway can't afford to alienate. Many enthusiasts, myself included now feel like we can't support the railway. I'd hate to see the railway close for good. But I can't help but feel like they should have listened to the wider audience more. We're not all armchair-bound clueless idiots. There were some highly respected industry professionals who offered sensible and realistic proposals which would have kept everyone happy, and safe, and probably been a lot cheaper....bump caps anyone?

Whatever your thoughts are on this, remember everyone is entitled to their opinion. And the above is my own personal one.