34046/34052

Seen outside the old Crewe diesel shed was 34046 (on the smoke box) and 34052 on the cab side minus smoke deflectors and looking very shiny !
Steam test soon ?

 

This engine had a nice fire inside it today slowly warming her up. Good to see.

 

Steaming up and down the yard as I type.

 

Read all about it at Icons of Steam.

https://news.iconsofsteam.com/bringing-back-a-bulleid-4b95e466b569#.pvluzmuqp

The loco looks superb. Well done to all concerned. I can't wait to see it in action on the main line. <BJ>

 

Looks nice, couple of questions;

How long did she run on the original ticket, I seem to recall she wasn't heavily used but they seem to have had to do a fair bit of boiler work, and secondly does the reference to DB Cargo suggest that she isn't going to do any work with WCRC?

 

I've tried to find out for you but I'm not sure if this is the correct website. <BJ>
http://braunton.trusted-boilers.com/boiler-service.php

 

34046 Braunton was restored on the West Somerset Railway and first steamed on the railway in August 2007. After some months delay caused by the replacement of a defective driving axle (by one from 35011), it entered regular service on the West Somerset Railwau in 2008 and covered a significant mileage. It was later sent to Riley & Sons Bury for work on the air braking and other items, and was main line certified in July 2013. It has seen quite extensive service on the mainline including Torbay Expresses etc over several seasons. It was withdrawn for a boiler overhaul in autumn 2015.

Interestingly Braunton has the very first bulleid light pacfic boiler to be built. This was due to be fitted on 34001 Exeter. But it failed its inspection tests when first built and had to be rewelded and allocated to a later engine. When it was restored on the WSR, the boiler was in very poor condition and very major work was required on the firebox by Pridhams which involved rebuilding the thermic syphons and replacing other sections. The latest repairs by LNWR Heritage at then end of 2015 have mainly involved replacing the stays and the superheater header and elements.

Like the rest of the fleet, the locomotive has been operated by either WCRC or DBC as required.

David

 

I forgot to mention that all being well, 34046 Braunton (running as 34052 Lord Dowding) will be undergoing a main line test next week (ie week commencing Mon 18 April).

David[/QUOTE]

 

Thanks, my query was more to do with the text within the link at https://news.iconsofsteam.com/bringing-back-a-bulleid-4b95e466b569#.rqnirz5sj which states 'before moving on to the main line with DB Cargo (formerly DB Schenker) in Mid-April.' is this just for the test running or does it suggest that only DBC will be operating her from now on?

 

I speculate that there will probably be a separate certification process for each TOC from now on. Its just DB got in first this time round.

 

If so would that mean test runs under each TOC then to gain individual certification?

 

If my speculation is correct, then yes. It all depends on how much can now be done in good faith under the new regime; doubt there's much if there needs to be a clear papertrail.

 

If different TOCs use different Vehicle Acceptance Bodies a certificate issued by one should be acceptable to the other, provided RSSB group standards are met, without the need for separate testing?
Not sure what the new regime is exactly in that respect.

 

We'll just have to wait an see what happens over the next few months.

 

There appears to be some confusion here.

Test runs are undertaken to satisfy the VAB (or independent competent acceptance person) that the locomotive is fit to run on Network Rail and meets the appropriate RSSB standards, and thereby secure main line certification. So the test runs are to satisfy the RSSB, not the operating companies. The loco may be operated by any operator for the purpose of the test runs. Normally the RSSB certification will be acceptable to all the operating companies irrespective of which actually operated the test runs. Incidentally the VAB is appointed by the loco owner, not the operating company. The company contracted to operate the test runs will also be chosen by the locomotive owner.

The operators may of course wish to carry out their own additional audit of maintenance and safety procedures on the locomotive, but this is a separate process and has not (in the past, at least) involved doing separate test runs. There is no sign that this is about to change.

 

Thanks for the clarification.