7027 Thornbury Castle

It's really good to see serious progress being made with this loco, a cinderella for far too long.

 

Considering the C-19 shutdown started just after Thornbury arrived at the GCR, it is amazing how much has been achieved already! I think it could be steaming in 2023.....

 

Would be fantastic to see Cinderella finally get to the ball.....

 

There wasn't a single component that Swindon didn't standardise, they simply put everything in a box and the way that it was stirred decicded whether they extracted a 14xx or a King.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/aug/18/row-larry-landtrain-visitors-lindisfarne

I was struck by this... I wonder why Larry Landtrain is numbered 7027 with an imitation of a GWR cabside?

 

Just proof if proof were needed that all GWR locos look the same …

(Being serious - decidedly odd choice).

Tom

 

So much for standardisation…

 

Just read the article - I don't know the background to the livery choice, but listen to those nimbys chucking their toys out of the pram! Shame the Landtrain doesn't suit them, I think it's a good idea personally. Just goes to show you can't please all of the people all of the time. I suspect there are some people there who can't be pleased any of the time...

Richard.

 

Dunno, aesthetically the fake steam engine doesn't really fit the location. Although I'm not sure faking it as a pair of mules would be any better. I wonder if the objections would be the same if the plan was for the road train with a low key anonymous look?

 

I see what you mean, but don't you think it's a bit harsh to call them nimbys? The island isn't a theme park. Just because a local economy might have a big reliance on the tourist trade doesn't mean the place has to accept absolutely anything, and be thankful for it.

Maybe the consultation will propose something like that ... time will tell.

 

I see your point - and agree totally that it is far from being a theme park - But economically it is more environmentally friendly than a bus service. Perhaps in this case they aren't nimbys, but believe me, I've been to places where the locals are so far up their own arses it's unreal... Try taking a wedding bus to Goldsborough, near Harrogate.

Richard.

 

This vehicle and another numbered 4936 were operated around Weston super mare by the previous owner. Simple as that. Very popular up and down the seafront with the holiday makers.

 

I agree. The operator is right in claiming that the land train is in some respects preferable to a taxi, but its appearance is totally wrong for that location.

 

And the connection, it turns out, is that the road train was operated by Crosville Motor Services, who it will be remembered owned Thornbury for a while.

 

The only thing appropriate for that location would be a Viking longship! Although I seem to remember they weren't welcome either...

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Didn't they take home mementos of their visit also, very much like modern tourists do? except the cheap tat, then, was rather more valuable,

Good to see 7027 finally owned by a do'er, rather than a talker, more of the loco has been overhauled, since its purchase than in any time during either of its former owners, ownership of the engine.

 

On a quick visit to Loughborough shed yesterday there has been more work on painting the frames of Thornbury.

 

Oooh, might have a nosey when I'm next up the road checking on 65033. I'm really quite excited by the prospect of Thornbury Castle having a few pounds on the clock at some point; perhaps because (a little like 65033) it seems to have been on the fringes of being restored for so long but never quite making it.

 

More parts have been fitted to the chassis.

 

Here is another view of the painted frames and one of work done on the driving wheels.