Loco 76017

Its obvious from the MHR thread that something has happened

But what and why?

 

This video appears to show the moment of handover......

 

I posted this to the MHR thread
looking at https://www.bluebell-railway.com/giants-of-steam/
"Visiting Locomotives
We are pleased to announce that we will be joined by Standard 5mt No.73156 from the Great Central Railway and Standard 4MT Mogul No.76017 from the Mid Hants Railway. These two very popular locomotives are a welcome addition to our gala fleet and we look forward to seeing them in action on our railway!"
So the Bluebell railway expect 76017 to return to the Mid Hants Railway!

 

The Mid Hants also expected it to return at the time. A lot has changed since then.

 

Nothing wrong factually with the Bluebell statement. It arrived from the MHR, despite what may have subsequently occurred, nothing implies a return there in the quote you posted.

 

Would the term 'visiting locomotive' not imply an expectation of it going back?

 

Not to me, for example the diesels that come to the Swanage gala often go off in a convoy to the SVR gala after their visit and before going back to wherever they come from.
Lets face it it is only an assumption that it would go back, as that is what normally happens.
But without knowing the contractual issue, that none of us have a right to anyway, the same may have occurred (i.e. loco parked up) if still at the MHR.

 

Yes it would, because at the time it was fully expected to return to the MHR.

 

Ah, the wrath of Bunch strikes again!
Still, it was nice while it lasted.
Positive side, 75079 should be back soon! Who needs a Mogul when you have the powerfulest of the Standard 4 classes?!

 

this mirrors the situation with 34105, where ownership is vague and shrouded with uncertainty, records not properly kept, from that time, means that there is always a chance that a hidden owner, will step out from the shadows with paperwork to show they actually own the engine, that has been kept hidden from everyone else, as regards 76017, Barry Eden, and John bunch might have both been the major shareholders, with Barry's death, shares might have been gifted back to JB, in effect giving him control over the engine,

 

just an edit, Its just been pointed out to me that the gala advert showed 76017 as being courtesy of JMB loco services, not MHR, so clearly the engine had changed hands,

 

It would have to be done by the railway's lawyers, and be by recorder delivery etc, especially where previous attempts have not met any response, to allow the railway to take the action it needs to take, i don't know if legally, the railway can if no contact is made then claim the loco, in lue of storage charges, overhaul fees, etc?

 

That would seem to clarify the entire situation then. Now owned by Mr Bunch and so unlikely to return to MHR. It just remains to be seen where he chooses to base 76017.

 

Preserved line use would seem likely, at least until the boiler ticket expires and it needs a fresh overhaul.

 

I recall Mr Bunch has close ties to WCR with Bodmin already there, plus the remains of 34073 and possibly some residual interest in 34067 so assume Carnforth provides a centralised location for storage and maintenance whilst decisions are made?

Off topic in researching this noted that of 20 light pacific preserved only 4 haven't steamed and one of those is Winston Churchill, that's pretty good going.