35018 British India Line

Perhaps this is something to put to the 35011 group. If ever I have the dosh to do up a Bulleid myself, I will be sure to ask Jos for ideas, although it will be returned to outwardly original spec.

 

Incidentally, perhaps this isn't the place to be asking, but I understand Bulleid specified the SER James Stirling pattern reverser, while Eastleigh said "nuts to that, we're using the LSWR Drummond type". Given that, as far as I know, the LBSCR had no tradition of steam reversers (this may be wrong, please correct any glaring errors!), what type did the Brighton-built Light Pacifics use? Does anyone here have any detailed knowledge or experience of both types of reverser and why the Stirling type may be deemed preferable?

 

That's the myth, but not really the whole story. The reverser used is similar to the Drummond pattern, but contains some features taken from the Stirling pattern as well. Moreover, there was development over the course of time to resolve some of the issues. The same basic pattern reverser was also used on the Maunsell Q class without getting significant reputation for poor behaviour.

My gut feeling is that the issues experienced by the reverser when used on the pacifics, came down to a combination of factors, some of which could be addressed and some not:

1) Inaccessibility, meaning that routine servicing was awkward and therefore probably neglected. (Steam reversers work well when properly adjusted, but are prone to inaccuracy if there are oil leaks meaning the hydraulic cylinder gets air in it, or if the seals start to decay, so that needs regular checking). Neglect would allow the gear to creep.

2) The lightweight nature of the motion meant that the force of the reverser would move it very quickly, reducing precision in use.

The second issue was addressed during later use by introducing a pilot valve to the reverser such that the initial movement was slower (the early design had only a main valve, so the first movement occurred with greater rapidity; that hadn't shown up as an issue when the same reverser was attached to a Q class as the motion was heavier). The inaccessibility was never really solved: on a Q class, the reverser is easily accessed on the running plate.

Tom

 

I've very little experience of the steam reverser fitted to the Flattops (only one trip on 34072 and one on 34092) but do have a lot of experience with the Q6 reverser. Filling the cataract cylinder with oil is a daily prep chore and, if you don't do it, it will start to creep and move. If it is kept full, it works well but you do have to finesse the operation of the control valve, otherwise you end up with the cut off where you don't intend it to be.

 

Indeed, which is why my gut feeling is that inaccessibility (meaning preparation and maintenance could become inadequate) is at the root of the problem: the differences between Stirling and Drummond pattern reversers being something of a red herring.

Tom

 

Duly noted... could modern seals (e.g. neoprene or PTFE/Teflon) be useful in reducing leakage?

 

A certain great Southern CME preached the mantra of "get-at-ability". He was right - I've known failure to properly consider that doom engineering projects and products in several other sectors...

 

A fair bet it will be hauling this train, possibly a different colour, watch this space .

 

I guess wait and see, it depends on how well Carnforth have got her running now ,if the valve timing is now spot on, there is every chance, if its still not right, i would guess further test runs its possible that they might decide not to use her until next years season if the loads can be managed by either of the Jubilees, or the 8f, if thats is the case, then you would start to wonder about an LMS bias at Carnforth

 

Carnforth is to the LMS is what Tyseley is to the GWR!

 

I wonder, if Tyseley were to say to Carnforth, can we do a swop our Jubilee for your merchant navy would David Smith say Yes take it, Would you like the flat top also ?

 

I would imagine it be something ending in 'off!' Joking aside I think Micheal Whitehouse has said in the past 5593 is the 'odd man out' in the collection at Tyseley but there's no way they'd sell/swap it. I mean look at a certain Pannier there, that was up for sale a few years ago, I just wonder if the price was set a little too high on purpose?... As we digress back to 35018 and I wonder if it's true that Williamsons have had an order for 5 gallon of Stroudley 'improved green'

 

Stroudly improved engine green? no more likily to be LMS (BR) Maroon, actually it didn't look to bad on Taw Valley Did it.

 

EWS Red I think it was! But yes I thought it looked ok.

 

Oh god... here we go again...

 

Yes it did!

 

Mmmm. Where's the dislike button?

 

Well theres always BR express blue as modeled by 35005

 

Is it not on the Cath Ex tomorrow? Thought it had been held back for Mr Robertson's train.