Steam railways

Press, 4 October 1977, Page 40

Steam railways

Sir, — Mr Barltrop’s article suggesting a possible return to steam power on our railways certainly is refreshingly provocative. Some of us railway-lovers were unhappy with the dieselising policy not just for nostalgic reasons, but because it seemed folly to make us so

dependent on overseas fuel supplies. Now that oil is becoming so expensive, more efficient use of our great coal resources may yet prove to be more economical after all. With such outstandingly economical and efficient designs as those by the brilliant French engineer, Andre Chapelon, and vastly improved combustion systems, our traditionally efficient Ab locomotives would seem antiquated and wasteful. The much maligned smoke pollution could be virtually eliminated, especially if servicing methods as up-to-date as the facilities provided for diesel locomotives were introduced. Freed from the domination of oil interests, the railways could help tremendously in making our coal resources a much greater economic asset. — Yours, etc., H. BENNETT. September 30, 1977.