Bluebell Motive Power

As Mr Tom and others had hinted that the Dukedog was the most likely 'mid sized' locomotive to enter the works after the completion of the H class, does this change that plan, and another engine (I am guessing 592 would be the second choice as 473 is a wreck by all accounts) be taking the H's place? Or will the Dukedog go in for overhaul as soon as she is back? Or they going start on maybe the 9F sooner? Or are things in abeyance for now?

 

It’s a two year loan - read into that what you will.

Tom

 

Where did you get this from? - I'd love to know more about what you consider to be a wreck. Are you not confusing it with 488 or even 75027? Even so being a wreck does not necessarily preclude overhaul. Just look at the T3 at Swanage.

Peter

 

I'd be surprised if 473 is a "wreck" given I thought it had a pretty comprehensive overhaul last but one ago

 

Right maybe I was a bit harsh using the word 'wreck', however the impression I got is that 473 isn't in great nick. Despite the extensive work in the overhaul completed in 1998 as it stated on the Web page on that overhaul https://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos/vt/news/birch_grove.html states that 473's frames, journals and cylinders were bit a weak link still and not only did they restrict what she could pull at the time, but a future overhaul might require replacement of both. Obviously before anyone says so, I know she did have new liners installed in to the cylinders in the 2010 overhaul, but for all we non engineers know they might still need replacement.

Also has stated by I think Mr Tom at least here previously, but definitely on the Bluebells own website, 473 now needs a new inner firebox, as that's the reason why the engine was surprised withdrawn in 2016. So I mean might not be as bad a condition as 488 is in but still pretty ropey by all accounts.

Now yes as other projects have proved, 473's issues aren't terminal. However in recent years the Bluebell seems keen on tackling engines which are easier to sort out, bar the odd exception. 9017 is meant to be in brilliant condition; 592 also needs new cylinders but has already had those manufactured and no one has reported there is anything wrong with the rest of it; plus the impending arrival of 84030 in to the world. Thus I assuming 473 isn't currently on the Bluebell's rader. Which believe you and me I wish it wasn't so as I love LB&SCR engines espeically mix traffics like 473, but I trying to be realistic.

 

I think that comment is quite unfair. We have just outshopped Sir Archibald Sinclair, which had an entirely new inner and outer firebox, amongst other things. Fenchurch was the previous loco, that had a new firebox and major work on the motion. Before that was 80151 which had a huge boiler repair. 65 that is halfway through its ticket had a very major boiler repair last time round.

Currently, 263 is in the works, and will have - amongst other things - new cylinders, as well as new tyres. 928 and 541 are getting big boiler overhauls currently.

So I think it is unfair to say that we prefer to tackle engines which are easier. The bottom line is that the majority of our locos are now over a hundred years old and things like major boiler repairs, new cylinders and sometimes even new frames from time to time need to be tackled, and are tackled when required.

Tom

 

Good to hear that, Tom. Unfortunately too many railways take the easy and cheaper option of overhauling the loco(s) that can be done in less time and at less cost where they have a choice. It is a false economy in the long term.

 

https://twitter.com/bluebellrailway/status/1765391889468113206

I believe the appropriate word is "Woof"

 

Needs to be delivered with the tone and inflection of this bloke…

 

And here's me expecting something about the departed Dukedog. But as you say.....Woof indeed

Peter

 

Meanwhile, with Beachy Head imminently to leave Atlantic House last Sunday, I took a photo of these two lined up ready to go in its place:



Tom

 

Erm some of us might just need a cold shower y’know

 

Well, don't go googling Sheena Easton 9 to 5 then, will you ...

Tom

 

Who?

 

No, that's Roger Daltrey.

 

Here is a steamy video she made at the Bluebell....


Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

I’d be be quite happy to go the way of John Enwhistle, no awkward questions with the missus either

 

Excellent Tom - I probably shouldn't say this for fear of causing offence in some quarters but I note that the Adams and the Atlantic are in matching livery, and very smart they both look too.

Peter

 

I won’t disagree with you on that one Peter.
They both look bang on.

 

The Bluebell really seems to be working hard to get back to the days when it was known for its wide variety of operational locos- it's absolutely great to see- I had a VHS about the Bluebell from the 80s that I loved when I was a child because of the variety of locos and carriages.

It's brilliant that the decision has been made to 'grasp the nettle' with 488- I thought I'd never see that loco steam, and will definitely be making an effort to see it once it's in traffic.

Chris