Steam heat diesels in limited supply!

THERE are well over 100 operational diesels in preservation, but the number capable of providing steam heat – the primary source of on-train heating at most preserved railways – can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and one of those is currently on hire to a main line freight company.

This means that, at most heritage railways, the opportunity to use diesel traction on winter passenger trains is somewhat limited.

Steam heat was eliminated from the main line in 1987, having gradually disappeared over the previous few years, largely as a result of the upgrade programme to fit electric train heating (ETH) to members of the Class 31, 37 and 47 fleets.

Since then, West Coast Railways (WCR), Vintage Trains and other charter train promoters have reintroduced steam heat on some