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131...today

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Reading General, Nov 5, 2017.

  1. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    she lives...photo stolen from facebook.... c.Stephen White. 131.jpg
     
  2. LesterBrown

    LesterBrown Member

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    I do NOT believe that loco could have been built in 1886. ;) :) :) :)
     
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  3. Victor

    Victor Nat Pres stalwart Friend

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    Certainly a handsome machine.
     
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  4. ghost

    ghost Part of the furniture

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  5. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    @ghost Unfortunately, the video link needs a sign in ..... dammit! But the photos look superb. Lovely to see 131 back where it belongs and it looks for all the world like had it never been away. Thanks to all for putting the photos and links up.

    Congratulations to all at the RPSI for a great job in bringing this GNRI classic back to life (looking forward to reading the website updates!). I'm so glad the folks at Whitehead resisted any unprototypical urges any may have harboured for a BlueQ !! How long has it been since the workaday lined black GNRI livery was last seen at the head of a train?

    Now, about the Derry Road ......
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2017
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  6. ghost

    ghost Part of the furniture

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    Sorry about the video - hopefully something similar will appear on the RPSI website soon.

    GNRI black livery was applied to 171 in the late 1990s for a film contract. Slightly different to 131's livery in that 171 did not have red lining and she had GNR on the tender rather than GREAT NORTHERN

    Update from the RPSI - all went well with the test runs with minor adjustments made throughout the day. The only serious issue was an overheating bogie axlebox, which will be attended to before the next test runs which will be for formal proving of braking distances.

    As for the Derry road....let me know when the euromillions numbers come up!!


    Keith
     
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  7. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    ...... and in any case, 171 looks phenomenal in blue!

    Great news about the shake down. Hot axleboxes (and detectors for same) have been the bane of RPSI mainline steam operations in recent years.

    Regarding the Derry Road, I doubt even an "El Gordo" jackpot would scratch the surface! That closure was a wanton act of idiotic and counterproductive political vandalism of the highest order, which cripples the economy of the east of Ulster to this day ..... and believe me when I say it ..... that was the polite version!

    I'm still grinning from ear to ear at the sight of those photos!!
     
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  8. Richard Roper

    Richard Roper Well-Known Member

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    Now that's one really nice looking engine! Top job! I've never been to Ireland, but I now have a perfect excuse to go...

    Richard.
     
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  9. paullad1984

    paullad1984 Member

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    And people keep telling me there is no room for a 4-4-0 on the mainland mainline.
     
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  10. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    make sure you see 171 and 85 as well then!
     
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