6880 Betton Grange

I hoped that the smaller lines that missed out on 6880's originally planned debuts would still get their chances with the loco, so I'm really pleased it's making it to the Battlefield in the end. Fingers crossed that it heads to the East Somerset in 2025 as well.

 

And to Swanage and the MHR

 

Swanage probably not, cylinder width.
Watercress Line can easily have it.

 

Be nice, but, you think they can afford to throw another gala like they did this year?
Especially now 46447 is going into overhaul.

 

Evening everyone,

I've been emailed by somebody via the 6880 website this evening, telling me that she's being loaded up for departure from the NNR tomorrow.

As I'm unable to get to the GCR (bless unemployment), is there anyone on here who knows which route the haulage contractor will be using?. I imagine either the A47, or the A14 and A1M to reach the Peterborough area (perhaps)?.
Any 'inside' help would be greatly appreciated, as this is likely to be the one chance I have to see her in the flesh for a great while.

Thanks in advance.

Very Best Wishes,
Bob.

 

No idea the route she's taking but she's not going to the GCR yet - she's off to the Battlefield line first (or at least, she'd better be, I'm rostered on her this Saturday!)

 

Hmmm,

My guess is then that in Cambridgeshire, she's likely to pass on the A47. If only I could find out roughly when, or even who the haulage contractors are...

 

Good luck with her on Saturday, I'm not envious in the slightest... much!

 

Latest news from Rail Advent. <BJ>

''A deal has been struck between the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and the 6880 Betton Grange Society which will see 6880 Betton Grange based at the railway for the foreseeable future.
The GWSR was the first railway that the locomotive ran on following completion at Tyseley Locomotive Works.

The locomotive performed well during the line’s Cotswold Festival of Steam and is currently at the Battlefield Line for their Santa trains.

6880 will arrive at its new base in February 2025 after appearing at the Great Central Railway during January.

The Society’s committee unanimously agreed that the GWSR is the ideal base for the locomotive. We are very impressed with the facilities at Toddington, both for locomotives and for volunteers with the outstanding mess facilities in the Goods Shed'’.

Richard Cadge, Chairman of the 6880 Betton Grange Society''

 

That's great news. Through the kindness of one of the 5199 team, I've been invited to ride along with him to see the Grange at both the Battlefield Line, and the GCR galas in January .

 

I thought it was planned to go mainline?

 

The cost, both financially and manpower to go mainline is considerable and where would they get any work? They are vacuum only so Vintage Trains who have their own locomotives and I’m sure they will not be regularly willing to pay a steaming fee to a third party

 

I didn’t say anything about the viability of going mainline!
I was only questioning whether my memory was correct

 

Would have been a great addition for the WSR.

 

Yes, another run and repair contract. <BJ>

 

It’s going to be a great help to us as at the Gwsr as we definitely have two if not 3 engines coming out for overhaul in 2025.
Do come a see us post Christmas to see 7820 dinmore manor bow out after 11 very good years of service. From 27th to the 2nd she’ll be out with 3850 then on her own on 4th and 5th (final day). those last two days see a special revised timetable which is running broadway to Winchcombe only due to bridge works south of Winchcombe.

 

35006 and 7903 being other two I assume

 

Yes, although investigation into an extension on 7903 are being looked into.

 

Well, due to subsequently cancelled bridge works as I understand it! (council job, not ours)

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