GWSR loco updates.

Perhaps FS123 was trying to be ironic!

 

The G&WSR do seem to be being very tolerant - or have more siding space than they know what to do with (surely nobody has that!)! Many lines would probably have concerns if an assembled locomotive was taking up space and nothing happening, but spread over a couple of coach lengths on well wagons uses even more space.

The fact it is being allowed to remain may suggest that the G&WSR management do know what is planned and when, but I can't help but feel it wouldn't harm for this to be wider known on the Railway, as the fate of a steam loco is quite likely to be something that a) their own volunteers and wider membership and b) visitors ask about and there is nothing worse than somebody being asked such a question not having a clue - and it often doesn't get the best response in return, or help the way the loco is viewed by the workers!

I do realise that it may be there are discussions but no formal agreements - even that would be something that could be reported! You can't always give "in progress" reports on everything - for example a loco moving to a line from elsewhere, but this loco is already there and people know it is there.

Steven

 

I've just noticed in last week's GCR weekly newsletter that the boiler from 9642 is currently in the works at Loughborough, having new stays fitted.

DaveB

 

I hope it does come back the GWSR when completed, but with Mr Goodman anything could happen!

 

The S&C haven't offered any financial aid to the owner of "Owsden Hall", when the team restoring her requires something, the owner writes us a cheque. As far as I can tell it seems that he just needed a bit of direction with the restoration and that's what the team at the S&C have provided. There's normally about four of us working on her at the weekend. As it's been noted before, a lot of work was already done at the GWSR, so for us at the S&C it's mainly just an assembly job albeit a few bits and pieces. We're still on track for a spring 2017 steaming, so watch this space.

 

Owsden was stored in the head shunt at Toddington, well away from any facilities for restoration.
The SCR have now purchased a locomotive so no longer have any issues.
Also the runmor mill is up and running regarding the 8f's return.

 

Except that it has been said that plenty of work was done on it...

 

Think the reason that the two locos moved away was to do with the length of operational track not much point in running a large tender engine on a mile of line.

 

Owsden Hall was only stored in the southern Toddington headshunt shortly before it departed. As has already been said by another poster, it spent quite some time under cover or in the confines of the yard.
However, it has now gone to the S&C and work seems to progressing well. I do admire the Halls, especially the Hawksworth batch, including of course 7903 Foremarke Hall which came to the GWSR from? the S&C!

 

Perhaps Owsden will follow suit...

 

Does this not equally apply to Owsden Hall then?


Keith

 

Yes it does. However, the Swindon and Cricklade is just a little bit longer these days, having extended in both northly and southerly directions since 7903 left. Indeed, it might be argued that it is nearer to Swindon now as many houses have been built at the southern end of the line. Cunning really-don't extend the line but wait for the town to come to you!

Regarding Owsden Hall, its up to the owner and the S&C Rly at the end of the day. Like I said, I'm just pleased that restoration is progressing well.

 

I think 7903 went to tyseley for overhaul.

 

Yes but we are referring to its original restoration from Barry Scrapyard condition which was undertaken at Blunsdon all those years ago.

 

And only some of 7903 has gone to Tyesley anyway! The frames and tender are still on site, coupling rods put back on just the other day. Hopefully back in steam by the end of this year...

 

Would I be correct in saying that the Foremarke Hall Group are getting a time scale soon for the loco?

 

Owsden Hall's base will be the S&CR for the foreseeable future and maybe hired out to other Railways for a season if such an occasion arises. By the time Owsden is back in steam, there will be about 4 miles of line to play with giving an 8 mile round trip. Although it's not huge, it's enough to get a good ride from a tender loco.

Foremarke and 5637 left due to the line length and that lead shareholders to seek pastures new. Which is a bit of a kick in the teeth as I have shares in both!

 

It would not normally be considered good etiquette to nick other people's photos from the web and post them elsewhere without attribution. If you wish to use photos from the GWSR Steam Loco dept blog in future, I would be gratified if you would provide a link to the relevant post stating that it is where you had got if from. http://gwsrsteamloco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/if-you-cant-beat-them-join-them.html in this case.

Up to date information regarding most of our locos when it is ready for making public will appear on the steam loco dept blog if not first, then not far from it. That said, if you are particularly interested in 76077, then I recommend that you purchase a copy of the Steam Railway Magazine being published on (I think from memory) Friday 27th Feb. Interesting news on 2874 will be appearing both in that edition and hopefully the one after as well.

 

Im sorry but you have the choice to protect your images from download on your blog, if you put them up on your blog then expect people to use them. Its different if someone is using them for financial benefit but this is simply a case of re-use to aid a discussion on a private forum....