BR Standard class 6 No. 72010 'Hengist' and Clan Discussion Thread

Just had a poke around and can only confirm the post by @Kinghambranch There claims to be a Facebook page "over 18's only" which, like any news on 77021's progress, is invisible to the public at large.

72010 looks to be picking up pace nicely though.

 

Is this the facebook page you are looking for?

 

Thanks Gav. Is that the "closed" page (i.e. need to log into FB)?

I'm allergic to Facebook (too bl**dy invasive), so only "public" sites are of use.

 

This is their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/77021-Locomotive-Group-New-Build-Steam-193160384184458/ last update 9th November. Very intermittent updates and it looks like a one-man band operation.


Keith

 

Cheers Keith. Dunno why my search engine didn't turn that one up, although the page seems totally unresponsive at the mo.

 

Back to the Clan, Bogie wheel centres now ordered... rollin, rollin rollin,

 

Frame assembly started last week, so we should be seeing photos very soon.

 

Hopefully that should be rollin, rollin, rollin, rollin...!

Seriously, I wish the Clan project well, it will make an interesting comparison with the Brits once finished.

Richard.

 

Thanks Richard
I rather think the comparison with the new Patriot, and surviving/jubilees/ King Arthur to be more interesting as these locos are what the Clans we're intended to replace...

 

Yes to this too - It will certainly be interesting once we have 5551 and 72010 out and about.

Richard.

 

I quite agree, but, are we not looking at a slightly upgraded Clan with slightly improved draughting and much better engineered than the original engineering? A comparison with a surviving Brit. would be very interesting indeed, especially after the comparison with a 'good B1' from Eastern Region all those years ago.
In the meantime I will be quite happy enough knowing 'Hengist' is 'born', or should that be 'born again'?

 

I’d read that the Eastern Region crews who said that the ‘Clans’ were no better than a ‘good B1’, were worried that they may lose their Britannias and so gave the Clan tested on the GE main line a less than glowing review...

 

Wouldn't it be great to put that review to the test??? Pity, conditions have changed now and it is not possible, never mind. Help us to achieve Clan over S&C or Shap or Beattock and that might be enough of a test.

 

That will do for me

 

I Have also heard this and it does make sense. Also and given the relatively high TE of a B1 and the more familiar fireing there wasn't going to much in it on a trial... ater a few months of running when the Crews had got used to pushing the Clans hard and enjoying the ride and the Good B1 had started to get 'less good/more shaky' from being pushed hard... but yes we will see.

 

Surely if the men already had Britannias they would have had a good idea of how to handle and fire a Clan?

 

and indeed how not to handle and fire one.
The point remains that if offered Clans instead of Brits you would want to keep your Brits.
If offered Clans as well as Brits / instead of B1'S or B17's they might have been considered a reasonable replacement

 

Other than improvements / corrections to draughting (suggested as required from experience with the original batch), what is being included in the design which would qualify as an 'upgrade'?

Whatever the answer, if the transformation of 71000 is anything to go by, you're not the only one gleefully anticipating 72010's performance!

 

For definite the entire chassis is different from the original batch of Clans as it is being built to the Lot 242 drawings.
(Lot 242 Covered the next batch of Brits and Clans and the architecture of the frame stretchers is more like that of 71000 and the initial batches of 9F's and I think includes coil springs on the trailing truck.)
Most of the modifications made to engine and tender for the original batch were incorporated into lot 242... things like plain section rods, LMS return crank fixings, additional reverser shaft brackets, tender links and fall plates etc. Going beyond that items being considered are.
Draughting, - a Single Lempor has been worked up which offers a modest improvement in draughting /lower back pressure - also aware that other 'solutions' are available
Working pressure - a moderate increase subject to what the boiler manufacturers assessment allows
Cylinders/pistons/ valves /glands and motion bracket - the whole area including the provision of lubrication is under examination and improvements considered
The question of Braking systems and Improved Electrical provision hasn't been tackled yet as afaik but these are definitely an Elephant in the room
Tender - Increased water capacity, possibly a reduced coal capacity - to be considered in a BR1 B/C/D outline...

There maybe others that I dont know about but I think the Ethos is that Hengist should Fulfill the potential of the design and match other Class 6 motive power (perhaps with the exception of the V2... how is that a 6mt!) rather than be souped up beyond recognition

 

Not quite correct with regards to the plain section coupling rods. The new plain section designs were introduced in 1953 and further modified in 1956 . None of the Clans were fitted with them, retaining the fluted coupling rods until the end.
In increasing the boiler pressure, the power of the loco will be increased. This could bring into play the achilles heel of the most of the Britannia class, the movement of wheels on axles. Beware, you have been warned.