WSR Spring Steam Gala, 20-21 & 25-28 March 2010

Excellent! It will be nice to see her in steam at last, and to have the chance for a ride for the first time! I last saw her in 2007 at Ropley pending overhaul, and was impressed by the sheer size of the BR1F tender.

 

Good news, I think the 9F's are such impressive locos. Fingers crossed that 92203 also makes it.

Cheers,

Paul

 

Yay, Get in there I'm so pleased thats now happening. MHR's 9F certainly has a bark on her. Here's looking forward to a blast up Washford and onto Crowcombe.

Also, really really hoping to see the 2 9Fs double heading - I want that shot of the 2 at Castle Hill in late afternoon lighting - my 1 and only request please organisers ray2:

 

I think the timetablers might be able to arrange the locos to be at Castle Hill at an appropriate time, but as for the sun, well ...

Regards

 

Thats a good point... but its about time I got lucky with such things so I can but hope

 

It appears that our wish may be coming true. The WSR website has stated (subject to availability) that 92203, 80104 and 78019 are confirmed. Also, Braunton has been invited to the party, although it does depend on whether the mainline equipment has been fitted. So, I wonder if there is the mouth-watering possibility of a 9F double-header?

 

And the latest issue of HR says that 70000 may appear in Black if she is ready in time...

 

Black? ? ?

Regards

 

Yes, plain black ! 70000 ran in this livery for its first few weeks on test in January 1951. It was then painted fully lined green and formerly named at Marylebone at the end of the month. Info from the latest Heritage Railway.

David

 

Thank you, David. I know that 'Britannia' was in plain unlined black for a short time in January 1951, there is a frontispiece photo in 'The Railway Magazine' of the period showing the engine nameless and glistening. I can't help but feel that this is yet another instance of loco owners painting an engine in what might be described as a 'minor livery' just to show how clever, how knowledgeable, they are. Will 'Britannia' be nameless I wonder or is that taking authenticity too far? Personally I would prefer it in BR lined green and that the clever clogs took a holiday.

:tongue1::tongue1::tongue1:

Regards

 

Could it be more imposed by time constraints, given the fairly major caveat 'if its ready in time'? Less time needed for plain black than a fully lined out livery, particularly if its only a temporary job.

And in general regarding the livery, while I acknowledge it is entirely personal opinion, but I rather think though that as liveries go, the one in which the first BR designed loco was turned out in is actually a pretty significant one rather than something minor only for clever clogs.

 

70000 in unlined black would certainly be different, and a rather neat thing to do to celebrate it's return to traffic. Don't forget that it ran without nameplates during its first few return to main line test runs in 1991.

Regards,

Dan

 

Can not see what all the fuss is about really if it wasnt for people like Jeremy Hosking these large engines would never be steamed again after all its only temporary.

 

The point here is that this engine is intended to be primarily a mainline loco. Its appearances at galas are likely to be few and far between and those appearances will be spread over the country. I would doubt if I will, over the ten year boiler certificate period, see it more than four times, probably only three, at galas. Mainline duties are all very well but the loco just goes whoosh and it's all over in seconds. Only at galas can I, and most other enthusiasts, get up close.

Regards

 

And ? When you are travelling behind it the colour of paint doesn't really matter. I'm sure the Black wont be permanent, just a temporary thing to get it to WSR in an authentic livery, that hasn't been seen before in preservation, until the guys restoring her have a chance to do a proper job. They could have painted it BR Blue for you if they'd really wanted, or even have said no to WSR's request to hire her for the gala. But no, they are doing the best they can to get her there for you to enjoy. Be grateful for what you are getting for crying out loud.

 

I suppose its overkill in a motive power sort of way (and murder to refill the tenders from a single water crane), but I for one would like to see one nonetheless!

 

Would prefer a single pannier with a nice heavy load myself, but each to their own!

 

That's strange, because I'd also like to see a Bulleid hauling one carriage during a gala, as per prototype on some of the Padstow runs (50mph on the mainline a la Tangmere plus support coach doesn't count)...

 

A 57xx backwards up Washford bank on load 8!!! The sound would be amazing, maybe something for the ASG.