GWSR loco updates.

Cheers What's the loco situation like at GWSR atm regarding overhauls/restorations? Have to admit haven't been since the DMU entered service on the Toddington - Laverton service when the line was split...

In-service:
> 2807 / 8274 / 4270
Away on hire:
> 5542 / 7820
Under restoration:
> 2874 / 7903 / 4027 / 35006
Awaiting restoration:
76077 / 9642 / 44901

 

Pretty much - 7820 will e beack from the NNR in September, 5542 not until next year now, it's filling some contract work at the SDR I think. 2874's restoration hasn't really started I don't think, a little bit was done some time ago but there's been nothing on their blog they've set up yet. 7903 should be back in the next 2-3 years, apart from the boiler it's in pretty good condition I think I was told, 35006 hopefully ready at the end of this year (as it has been for the past five years!) and (4)4o27 a year to 18 months away. 44901 I don't think is on site yet, 76077 is on bits on the Northern Headshunt and I haven't heard nought about 9642, it's not mentioned anywhere on the website anyway, not even on past visitors which is puzzling.

Oh, and there's also a little saddle tank, John, owned by a member of the loco department if I remember rightly which is undergoing cosmetic overhaul. That's about it for steam locos, all info can be found here on the loco roster, which also details the status of each loco onsite.

Definitely come and visit if the last time you came we were in two bits! I do like the Timetables we have this year, especially the red one giving two steam trains going CRC to Toddington and a DMU going from Laverton to Winchcombe, usually operates most weekends during high season. Plus the carriages are very well painted indeed

 

Didn't I read somewhere that the owning group's ambition was to run it on the main line with the auto trailer now under restoration?

 

First I've heard of that, where did you read this?

 

If 7903 is 3 years away - something has gone wrong - that timescale has not come form her Maanger - he is aiming for a significantly shorter turn round time. Her boiler is currently being disassembled at Tyseley Loco Works and should be a fairly straight foward (if costly) repair, other repairs ae being done to her exhaust pipes (new set) and brakegear.

Stephen

 

I've just realised I only read that in the beano, I understood before that it should be nice and quick, sorry!

 

One of the magazines, but can't remember which one. I've just had a brief look on the 5542 website but no mention of it there. However, even if the report proves inaccurate, I'm sure I'm not making this up!

 

Quite possible, I only read the mags once they've ended up on the bookshelf in the c+w workshop.

I suppose it could be useful going mainline, if not just easier transport possibilities - roll on Honeybourne and mainline connection!

 

I notice on the Great Central Railway - Nottingham's website it says that 8274 is to stay for the whole 2015 season.

"We are pleased to announce that after the success of our 2014 Santa Specials, Stanier 8F - 8274 is going to be staying with us for the whole of the 2015 season.
This means she will be hauling all of the services during our February Half Term running weekends on the 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd of February and most steam services throughout the year." (http://www.gcrn.co.uk/)

 

Doesn't surprise me, shame though, one of my favourites.

 

Not likely to be much left at Toddington this year, then?

 

Seems not as announced elsewhere 7820 will be spending the peak summer season at the Paignton and Dartmouth.

Presumably that leaves 2807, 4270 and if you believe in ancient myths, 35006.

 

I guess it does mean they are confident that 35006 will be operational this year but if you are a loco owner you can understand why some have moved there locos away assuming they are paid for per steaming as they would not be earning enough to store up some cash reserves for the 10 yearly overhaul.

 

35006 is not only hoped to be in service for this year, it is expected, if not required now! 7903 is hoped to be back by the end of this year as well don't forget. 5542 will no doubt be interloping too, and then there's the possibility of something staying a bit longer than just the gala (he says, hopefully ) So that seems about right for locos. The only time we need 3 home steam locos is the war weekend in April, presumably before 7820 leaves, but if the 35006 lads are leaving it to the last minute for the gala, things could all of a sudden become a bit tight if we get one or two failures at once!

 

I am sure this has been asked elsewhere, but I can't find it. Is there any plan for 76077 to be restored, or is it privately owned? I know it is stored in bits in the siding, but what bits are there? Thanks for any response.

 

A quick google brought these pics:

http://simonedwards.piwigo.com/picture?/11547

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78207858@N08/8605176051

http://www.gwsr.com/media/142665/the honeybourne 5th june 2010 042.jpg

http://www.gwsr.com/media/142672/the honeybourne 5th june 2010 044.jpg

https://www.flickr.com/photos/emdjt42/14110152928/

As far as I recall, the loco is owned privately, the 35006 group were looking at it as a project after 35006 is finished, she will require a new tender, probably a lot of motion/fittings and a great deal of money!


Keith

 

Don't forget that this one waiting in the wings will be ready soon too....

Yes, I think you have it correct with 76077; that's also my understanding from when it arrived at Toddington back in 1987. I think a weekend with a heavy lift crane, a bit of welding and some paint and she'll be ready for the May Festival of Steam! Lots of Standard tenders about to scan and 3D print-shouldn't take more than a week!

A photo I took after the loco's arrival. Apologies if I've put it up previously.

 

Yep, loco owned privately, no one I've asked knows by who! No prospects as far as I know. Pity, would be an great loco for the line, but AFAIK it's at best at the bottom of the restoration queue, possibly not even on it.

 

Well at least we have 2 (soon 3) out of the 4 working!

 

Hello,
76077: a lovely example of Byzantinism(?)
Photos of a Linear Scrapyard on top of a Linear Scrapyard!
A linear linear scrapyard?
A double decker scrapyard? !


Nick