Projects

The AST Group is actively seeking to involve itself in any project where its knowledge and experience can be used for the benefit of steam traction, with a particular view to improving performance, reliability and economy, while reducing operating and maintenance costs and emissions.

Projects that AST has been involved with so far include:

• The 5AT Project, out of which the group was constituted;
• The design, manufacture and fitting of a single Lempor exhaust to KWVR’s S160 2-8-0 No 5280.
• Undertaking a study into the improvements that can be made to the original design of the BR6 4-6-2 Clan Class locomotive of the 1950s that might be usefully incorporated into the new-build “Clan Project” for which manufacture of certain components has already begun.
• Preparing a Feasibility Study for the George the Fifth Locomotive Project that will propose design modifications aimed at improving its locomotive’s performance.

The 5AT Group (whose members established and manage the AST group) was responsible for one or two commercial studies that were not directly related to the 5AT Project.  These included:

• a study into the costs and feasibility of operating (ex-China Rail) steam locomotives on a coal haulage railway in Indonesia, and
• a study into the feasibility of using of steam traction for a major new tourist railway that was planned for construction in Mexico.

The Group welcomes inquiries from steam locomotive projects and owners, and from railway planners who would like to know more about the possibilities of using steam traction.