Bluebell Motive Power

I doubt it, it's going to give us less undercover storage than we already have!!

 

The line in question did get 'Burgundy' out of that deal though, so it wasn't just a 'restore and run' loan. That said, the Worth Valley has twice loaned 5212 out on long term agreements in exchange for which it has essentially received a guaranteed gala visitor and 60' of spare siding space. Neither of which is something to be sniffed at of course.

 

Everything is subject to negotiation which is a smart word for "I've got something you want; you've got something I want." I was concerned to show one instance where a rebuild loan has produced the goods. Yes it can be done! As you say it tidies things up as well and there are few lines that don't need a tidy

Paul H

Paul H.

 

I'm not sure Stamford is actually a successful loan example. Yes it is on loan, and yes it is more assembled than it was at Sheffield Park, but it certainly isn't restored, despite having been away from the railway almost 20 years.

The trouble with loaning anything, is you have to be absolutely certain that the other party has the skills and funds to do something with the item. While many of the smaller lines might want ex BR locos, is it actually wise to loan them to them, when they have no loco works, no major experience with the types of locos etc? The successful loans have always been to sites with existing facilities and experience, and most of those railways already have a list of stock to work on of their own.

Daniel

 

Exactly - it certainly isn't the silver bullet that some seem to think. Worth remembering that we have loaned out carriages on a "restore and run" basis, but where there was far more certainty about the skills and resources of the host to actually do the job.

Tom

 

But what kind of agreement is 'Stamford' on? Last time I checked the RRM website, it said that the engine was to be cosmetically restored rather than overhauled.


ETA: And indeed it still does. http://www.rocks-by-rail.org/exhibit/ae-1972-stamford/

 

I think the implication is that the loco hasn't been cosmetically restored at its loan location as per the original plan, despite the long time away from the Bluebell.


Keith

 

What are you talking about? It's been cosmetically restored to scrapyard condition.

 

And now for something completely different: cylinder drawings for 27 (and the other P class locos - 178 also needs new cylinders, and no doubt eventually 323 will as well):

http://wainrightsfinestsecr27.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/cylinder-drawings-first-views.html

Estimated cost for the machined castings is about £15k.

Tom

 

C class 592 was withdrawn from service earlier this week due to its tyres.

 

That's a shame. I've always had a soft spot for the C. Hopefully it needing new tyres won't stand in the way of a reasonably speedy return to service in the future. IIRC, after the 01 has been overhauled it's a toss up between 9017 and 592 as to which medium engine would be next through the works.

 

A definite shame - I was hoping it would make it to October 8th this year, which would be the 50th anniversary of when it last ran in service on BR.

Tom

 

Surely if it's just tyres it shouldn't be being withdrawn for good, doesn't she still have a year left on her ticket?

 

I think the lead time for new tyres is quite long, plus the process of lifting the loco, sending the wheels away, then re-wheeling would eat up most of however long her ticket has left to run.

 

Kwik Fit-an hour and change from £1000?

 

Let's hope the O1 is back soon to hold the fort for SECR 0-6-0s. Both lovely machines.
(Bother, just realised now I have to alter my pre-grouping loco table again...)

 

From today's photo charter, a small collection can be found at http://paulsimpson.zenfolio.com/p794791412.
Thanks to Jon, Ian the crews etc.

 

Further thought, are the 01 and C Class' wheels interchangeable?

 

Lovely pictures - catches the Wealden atmosphere beautifully. They also draw attention to how tidy the lineside is - a credit to the railway.

Steve B

 

Tom,
That's an interesting cost. Is that for just machining castings or a cost for everything from the pattern onwards?