7027 Thornbury Castle

The first 2 boilers (one on its side and the one on its right) are GWR boilers judging by the single gauge glass on the backhead. I'd take a punt at the wide firebox being from a LNER pacific, not sure what was there in 2012, 60009 perhaps, or even the spare A4 boiler owned by Hosking.

 

I must confess that i thought that the ex 2873 boiler was at Tyseley having been part of an idea to build a Star - I also recall it may have been for sale a few years back - although as this is based upon my memory and recollection I thus reserve the right to be entirely wrong!

 

Now you say that I think you're correct. Be interesting to make a list of all gw std boilers. It seems to me i've heard of a couple of P class over and above surviving locos. Not sure of any others.

 

Could one of the G.W. boilers be the No2 from 4115 earmarked as a replacement for the one on Mr. W's 56xx? Ray.

 

Sounds like a good idea,can add it to my obsession regarding GWR tenders - and then likely I will do nothing about it!

 

No 4 - one currently on 5227

 

49395, 5553 & 5224

 

frankly, I'd rather it stayed on 5227. Now that it's been on display for a while at Didcot, it would be rather like taking the boiler off 5322 to use on a replica.

 

Don't go giving them ideas.

 

I agree as a 42xx/52xx is the only available, extant class not represented there. Of course 5227 has already donated its axleboxes and several other parts to 'new-builds' and has a knackered cylinder casting. A 42xx in early condition would be good contrast to the 72xx - isn't there a partly dismantled one on display at Steam? Ray.

 

Yes, but its in 5205 config with outside steam pipes etc. 4270 and 4277 are the only ones left in reasonably early condition.

 

I also suspect you could almost build a new build 42/52xx for the cost of trying to extract that one from so deep inside the Steam museum!

 

Thanks but I'm well aware of that Jim, I was just indulging in a bit of wishful thinking and was referring to 4248 partly dismantled at Steam. That's an early one built 1916. If it's only for display as 'a loco under construction' 5227 with its wooden axleboxes and damaged cylinder would be suitable releasing 4248 to be restored to working order in pre- grouping condition. As 4707 says it's not likely to happen but one can dream sometimes. Still think it makes more sense than a 'County' 4-4-0 or 'County tank' but if that's what the GWS want.....
Cheers,
Ray.

 

Seems the larger GWR boiler in the Crewe photo is a Std 1, and was last used on 3862. See here: http://www.existing-gwr-locos.co.uk/loco.aspx?[GWR_Number]=3862

 

Do Didcot really need one ?, isn't like the 42/52XX is short of active class members, 4247,4270, 4277, 5239 with 5224 and another 1 or 2 likelt to return at some point.

 

you could say the same about 4079 or 3738 though couldn't you. AT least they have 7202 but maybe the 5205 could remain as it is representing "as received"

 

Looks like this is the auction if anyone has some deep pockets and would like to help fund those locos:

http://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/dreweatts/catalogue-id-drewea10165

And some of the lots do have some serious six figure estimates!

 

Fair point TBH, with so many preserved lines operating various types, I don't think Didcot has to be like the "Swindon National Collection"

 

If not them then who?

Didcot doesn't have many Churchward locos, which is why an inside steam pipe 42 wouldn't be by any means de trop. Just about all the collection are Collett era: I think I'm right in saying that until Lady of Legend and 4709 are finished 5322 is the only true Churchward standard type there.

 

What I'm getting at is, isn't it enough that there are examples surviving somewhere, does it have to be one example of everything at Didcot ?, not having a go or anything, but seems like an exercise that requires plenty of time, money and resources that could maybe be better used.