Returning to the subject of trains, Ruritanian Railways is delighted to today announce a new direction in its motive power policy.
As is well-known, Ruritania has been at the forefront of locomotive practice for many years. Experiments with varied motive power between 1998 and 2000 convinced the directors that for reliable running, the more wheels or the longer the locomotive, the better. The initial solution was to run Stainz locomotives in multiple after the fine example set by our guru, the late Charles S. Small, thus:
However, this required special wiring and a rather unsightly arrangement on the front of the second locomotive. Over time Ruritania's standard locomotive became the outstanding Mallet, supplemented for our principal express workings by ex-OBB 2095 class diesels. All of these locomotives have proven highly satisfactory.
That said, the directors have been conscious for some time that using these larger locomotives for short trains is costly and the price of new locomotives for our ever-growing traffic has become prohibitive. Happily, technological progress has produced a new solution, both elegant and economical compared to purchases of new 2-motor locomotives. Even better, Prince Rudolf likes it.
Today, Ruritanian Railways is pleased to announce the introduction of a new standard class of locomotive for light duties. It is called - the Stainz!
Regular followers of the Ruritanian scene may have detected a pattern of stealth purchases over recent months, following the success in service of "Kaiser Otto", which toured widely during 2012 as a battery loco:
Kaiser Otto proved the value of these excellent locos, but the technology breakthrough was Massoth's latest power buffer.
Use of this device in test locos has been shown to provide an ultra reliable 4-wheel power unit which can, thanks to the DCC technology standard in Ruritania since 1998, be operated in multiple for the desired level of power
Over the past 6 months, various stealth purchases have been made, with a view to establishing a small fleet of Stainzes (Steenz?). With one exception, all purchases have been new items, yet none cost more than 90 pounds in UK currency, delivered to Ruritania. We are today proud to reveal the fleet en masse for the first time:
The four locomotives closest the camera will have power buffers and DCC chips (also second hand) installed. Even with these extras, each loco will have cost substantially less than a new example of this loco type and vastly less than a larger locomotive. Taking a closer look, we have first a 1997 Stainz (second hand "display model") and a 2009 version (cat no. 27211) bought at a heavy discount in the manufacturer's 2011 "fire sale".
To the right, we have "Kaiser Otto" and a sister loco. The newer loco will retain its red chassis, but be retro-fitted with a straight chimney and appropriate numerals and so forth at Zenda depot. Both locomotives were purchased new from a German dealer.
Finally, Ruritania's very first locomotives have a new and exciting future as the "on tour" rake for Ruritania and relief locomotives during wintry weather. These fine 1998 vintage locos will continue to operate either singly or in multiple using a radio-controlled, battery-powered system.
At today's offcial unveiling at Zenda depot, Prince Rudolf expressed his pleasure at the new locomotive policy:
"This is further evidence of the innovative thinking which makes Ruritania a land of wonder to those visiting. These locomotives offer an ideal alternative at times of inclement weather, are cheap to run and any damage is easily reparable due to the ready availability of spare parts, in contrast to some other stock. Ruritanian Railways' Managing Director is to be congratulated at managing to accumulate this splendid collection without causing the accounting control function - SWMBO - to be alarmed in any way."
Further information will be provided as locomotives move through Zenda workshops and are introduced to active service.
