Tornado

You have got to feel for the NVR.

I wonder if there is any chance of them pulling in a super-sub from somewhere?

WCRC’s current predicament seems to be making them a little more open to preservation line visits, 46115, or 35018 would seem like good candidates?

Chris

 

They’ve already advertised the bank holiday services with a picture of the Danish tank. And a kids for a quid offer

 

Unfortuatly, it's going to take much more than just that, Its going to take, the boiler insurance examiner to refuse to certify Tornado, because of concerns around the firebox, and the clearances, followed by the p2's postponement because of funding issues, and that will bring matters to a head, I can actually see both happening, or tornado not getting a main line ticket, and there not being enough money to restart the P2, Then the board will have to act, they will have to agree to outside help and the price will be the chairman and board resigning, I can actually see LSL offering a lifeline to the trust, one which the trust will have no option but to accept.

 

They'll be thrashing the life out of 656 - that's practically running for two weeks non-stop if the last loco roster is a guide?

 

Upthread I suggested a real draw would be 60532: however, it being a former LMS line 46115 would be great (Riley's 'Black 5' was very popular last time) but 35018 could come and say 'hello' to 34081, which would also be interesting. However, it looks like the Danish Tank will be in use - just remember to amuse the kids with the bell!!

 

Glad that's all sorted then.

Tom

 

And if that unlikely Doomsday scenario was to occur, a LSL-controlled A1SLT wouldn't get a penny from me.

 

Well, yes, but hadn't it been promised (and then failed to show up) to at least two lines before that happened? So I am not sure it is the greatest example.

Although I have a lot of sympathy for lines like the NVR that have staked a lot on a loco that has then not appeared, there has to be a degree of awareness on the hirer's part that modern-day loco overhauls aren't run on production lines. I think if I were a promoter, I'd be wary of booking something that hadn't yet run (even if that meant I missed out on the possible upside of being first to get the "wow" machine). But maybe I am cautious by nature.

Of course, it cuts both ways. There is an onus on a locomotive owner offering a loco for hire to set realistic, and honest, views about when it will be ready - and they must feel under pressure to get an asset into revenue-earning service as quickly as possible to start recouping some of their investment in the overhaul. But equally any hirer of long experience must also price in a considerable risk factor if contracting for something that hasn't actually be seen to run.

FWIW, "Beachy Head" first steamed on I think 6 June; and it will be about 12 weeks between that first steaming and its first revenue-earning trains. You could look at that as 3 months off a loudly ticking boiler certificate when it has been still absorbing, rather than making, money. Or you could call it a necessary period of running in and crew familiarisation so it is ready when it actually matters.

Tom

 

I'm not going to chastise the NVR: it needs money and doesn't seem to have a magic money tree unlike some lines discussed on here. They can only go on what an owner tells them.

 

My suggestions don't preclude regime change - just bear in mind that evolution sometimes achieves more than revolution

They do depend on individuals, but groups are usually more - for good or ill - than the sum of their parts

Up to a point; they also have to use judgement to decide what to go with. They have my sympathy, but aren't without any responsibility

 

The danish tank class F is a modified british Hawthorne construction from 1873.
Inside Stephenson was changed to outside Allen or Trick as named on continent.
It is just that a british 1873 construction saves the day for a 2012 failure.

 

It’s like Groundhog Day ….. Just looking back 12 months, in July 2023 this was situation ……

“A busy week at Darlington Locomotive Works (DLW) commenced with the final welding of the flue tubes into the firebox tubeplate. This was followed by final expansion of the tubes into the smokebox tubeplate.

On conclusion of the relevant works, the boiler was filled completely with water and slowly the pressure was raised to ensure no leaks. The boiler is tested to 1.5 times working pressure with water, this being far safer than an immediate steam test. Following careful preparation the British Engineering Services (BES) boiler inspector visited DLW on Friday and carried out a formal hydraulic test. The BES inspector pronounced himself happy with the boiler and preparations were swiftly made to move on to the steam test.

In preparation for the steam test, a number of key components, such as the safety valves, have needed refitting. These spaces on the boiler are blanked off with a simple plate for the hydraulic test. Once ready, the boiler was moved outside and for the first time since early 2022 a fire was lit to start the steady task of warming the boiler through. If the preparation goes well, a steam test under the supervision of the BES Inspector will take place by the end of next week, certifying the boiler for a full year of service.

Follow the link below for an exclusive video for Supporters of the first warming fire being lit in Tornado's firebox, and a few words from the Chairman, Steve Davies MBE.”

 

So where did it go wrong then?

 

As you posted FB comments - Someone asked on the A1 FB group earlier whether it was still in attendance, after being told 'no' this was his response

- ""That’s 2 bookings with hotels I can’t get my money back on now £200 a time I’m £400 out now think I’m best getting my money back on the tickets soooo disappointed ""

 

In fear of being castigated again for repetition, I can but refer you to the many examples above?

If you’d like a quick summary though ……

Over-ambition coupled to a lack of the necessary project management skills, all compounded by a massive amount of hubris. The chairman sets the tone.

 

I have to say that sometimes, what you save on a making a non-refundable hotel booking can be a bad idea. Bit like hiring a van and not going for the extended insurance...

 

Well, this might be encouraging? From the NVR website just now:

 

I agree. I ALWAYS pay the extra £10-£20 to get the refundable option for whenever I go away. Rather do that then risk £100+