West Somerset Railway General Discussion

I was being semi-light-hearted. Perhaps you are one of those people who grasp humour unless it is emphasised with a smiley?

 

In any case, they'd already handed over some of the money to the management.

 

Jam Tomorrow:

 

I note the the WSRHT is looking for covered accommodation for Coach no 6705 and somewhere to repair the next heritage coach. There is, of course, a currently empty or soon-to-be-empty rail-connected shed at Washford. Perhaps the WSRHT could make its present owners an offer and then run an appeal for the funds.

 

I can imagine what the response would be, A kick in the nuts tends to be painful , "Sorry we sat on our hands and did nothing to support you, when the PLC served your eviction notice, , but can we buy your track and shed from you , mates rates in instalments "

 

IIRC there was a comment about this to the effect that it was simply a precautionary measure in case it became apparent - once services from MD resumed - that the arm needed to be raised to improve sighting. It is relatively easy to chop a bit off the top of a post at a later date to improve its aesthetic appearance, less so to add an extension if you need to make it taller (eg WN 4 )

 

That really would be cutting off your nose to spite your face. The alternative for the S&DRHT to selling the building in situ to someone connected with the WSR is to dismantle it and re-erect it elsewhere, which will be an expensive operation as everything below ground level would have to be left behind and re-provided at the new site.

 

BUT....some of the buildings (eg the 'Wells hut') or parts of them are themselves ex-S&DJR and therefore historical relics in their own right, which the S&DRT (nothing to do with the S&DRHT ) may want to retain.

 

The decent thing is to give the infrastructure they have no desire to remove to the WSR as a gesture to the preservation movement as a whole and not to indulge in petty recrimination, the reputational gain would be well worthwhile, and no doubt such a decision could result in a favourable approach to a certain future loco overhaul in due course.

 

As you say, the decent thing ... though I'd venture to suggest you'd be better off not holding your breath in anticipation.

 

The decent thing? We're far past that I'm afraid. And if WSR want to cut corners with a locomotive overhaul then they're legally liable so I wouldn't openly suggest something they can't financially recover from like a lawsuit.

 

Your joking, yes?
As far as ‘reputational gain’ goes it’s not the S&D trust who need to gain anything, if anything it’s those who thought it was a good idea to kick them off the railway that they were previously based on that have the need to regain reputations.

 

I helped build the (second hand and somewhat similar) NELPG shed at Grosmont and it went up quickly and easily. I suspect that with portable electric and air tools far more readily available than they were when the Washford shed was built it could be dismantled pretty quickly. I can't see any reason whatsoever why the S&DRT would want to behave in anything remotely resembling a magnanimous measure towards any of the WSR "family" who offered them no support when they needed it.

 

Latest update on the progress with tender T2061 for Odney Manor.

The two rear top plates have now been riveted down and the flared corners welded and dressed back to the correct shape. All of the work at this end is almost finished on the basic tank with just a few bits to be attached following shot blasting. A new filler casing has been rolled up and welded, the original lid and hinges will be reused. The filler for some reason was originally drawn to be made out of 3/8" thick material so it should last a few years yet.

On the inside all of the parts for the water level indicator have been made and trial fitted. These are a bit of a challenge to get inside and out again so it has been necessary to confirm that they all fit and work okay before the top plates are finally fitted. We have been a bit practical and fitted a modern plastic ball float of a suitable size instead of the original copper float. Few people will ever wriggle inside to see it, we have had trouble with original copper floats sinking due to pin holes in the soldered seams just below the waterline. In warm weather the air expands and comes out of the float then when it cools and contracts water is sucked in, eventually the float sinks. A plastic float solves the problem and is easily replaced if necessary.

At the front the bottom coal plate is now welded into position and the two top plates at the front have had various holes marked out and drilled. These are for rivets, tool box mountings, water indicator column, air vents, water valve brackets, brake/scoop stanchion brackets, and the firing iron lyre (funny shaped thing to support the firing irons). Riveted seams are being used where visible and welding where it is out of site. All joints in the coal space will be welded where a shovel will be run across the plate with rivets up the fender sides. We are now at the stage where the final top plates are being ordered. Recent work with a plumb bob ensured that the water valve handle brackets and the water indicator column we correctly in line with their respective components below the tank top.

Andy.

Edit - The original copper float was missing from the tender when we purchased it.

The near completed back end with finished corner flares.


The new filler with original lid, hinges yet to be refitted.


Water indicator float and arm.


Water indicator arm and shaft, the other side of the longitudinal baffle.


Water indicator shaft and front arm to indicator column.


Coal space bottom plate welded in position.


Drivers side tank top plate completed and ready for riveting down.

 

Do you still have the original copper float? It’s the sort of thing that, polished up, would make a nice little educational museum exhibit at BL or Blue Anchor.

Tom

 

Eunice making her presence felt in Minehead.

One of the Seaward Crossing barrier booms has been displaced.

 

The GW weren't taking any chances with the water filler coming loose - I reckon there are at least 50 bolts holding it down! Someone got a little carried away there....