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66xx no.6695

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Nigel Clark, Nov 13, 2009.

  1. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Ann,
    You'd be welcome to spend a few days on the NYMR when 6619 gets back into traffic. You're just the sort of person we need to oil it up!!
    Last year, 6619 spent some time on the North Norfolk and their crews often oiled the thing up from the top, without a pit. That is masochism in the extreme!!
     
  2. buzby2

    buzby2 Well-Known Member

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    I've always said that 56XX's were designed for strange looking enginemen! In no particular order :
    Short stature - so they don't bang the head getting into the cab.
    Very long arms - so they can reach 'inside' for oiling up and also to operate the brake handle when leaning outside, viewing past the side tanks, during shunting/buffering up.
    Legs of different lengths - seem to recall the centre part of the cab floor is lower.
    Heavy duty arms - fireman lifting coal, using the GWR's large size shovels, from the floor shovelling plate up into the firebox.
    I sense 'Ergonomics' was not at the forefront of 56XX's design in that earlier designs from, say, the GER/GN/SR seem easier to operate on a day-to-day basis.
    I suppose it was "horses for courses" as they appeared to be liked in the Valleys.
     
  3. Rumpole

    Rumpole Part of the furniture

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    I thought that was the usual method...?! :bounce:
     
  4. Nigel Clark

    Nigel Clark Member Loco Owner

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    That's if his car starts in the first place to get him there.......................:target:
     
  5. Nigel Clark

    Nigel Clark Member Loco Owner

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    Peter, unfortunately the answer is NO! She's been away from home too long already, anyway you've got '34 in Bridgnorth shops when Mark can get her finished. Actually though, it's nice to know she is appreciated, every railway she has visited so far has been sorry to see her leave.
     
  6. ady

    ady Well-Known Member

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    I don't that brilliant clever, casue while 80104 is now back, if the damage done to 53 is seroius we be left with only three locos for next two months. And I don't trust express locomotives like Eddystone and Manston...
     
  7. Ann Clark

    Ann Clark Member

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    If there were enough days in the year I would take you up on the offer especially if it also meant I could fire! Trouble with working full time and being on 2 railways is I run out of weekends and leave.:juggle:
     
  8. Nigel Clark

    Nigel Clark Member Loco Owner

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    Ady, what the hell are you talking about?
     
  9. ady

    ady Well-Known Member

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    Sorry the grammar and spelling is not so hot in that last post. I try that again…

    I concerned cause if there is another failure after 53 went last Monday (which I heard was a lubrication system failure with some loud ‘clanks’ being omitted, but since they haven’t done any dismantling of the motion yet, hopefully it won’t be anything too serious), we struggle for locomotive availability. 80104 is good, but Bullied Pacifics are well known for not behaving themselves (Clan Line apart). Eddystone has not been at full health over the last few years, although Manston has been quite good so far.

    I must admit selfishly, I do enjoy seeing 6695 running, and also being ticket inspector, I the one who get asked by disappointed passengers why we got a diesel hauling the train!
     
  10. buzby2

    buzby2 Well-Known Member

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    Ady, Apparently a problem 'knock' was reported some months ago but the mystery may now have been resolved! The Cotter on the fireman's side small-end was seemingly just a little too long and was touching the leading axle leaving a bright spot. This has now been fixed although, with wear & tear, there may be too much play between slide bars and cross-heads. This is also to be fixed.

    There was also a little bit of "Damage" to the running plate but a welder quickly sorted out the small crack. This was a combination of an old BR 'bodge' and working the loco round too sharp a curve. The curve into the Swanage Goods Shed Road is about 3 chains radius - unfortunately (for us) M7s are limited to 4.8 chains! Fortunately it doesn't normally go there too often but, obviously, it doesn't help the loco when it does go there!
     
  11. ady

    ady Well-Known Member

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    Oh right, I was worried for a while there!! I was told it was a lubication problom last Tuesday, but things change over four days...
    So she fit for service (?)

    Still wish 6695 was around though. Would 6695 or the other locos be affected by the curve problom?
     
  12. gz3xzf

    gz3xzf Member

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    So what are the Bulleid's limited too Buzby; I would have thought the M7 would be able to take tighter curves than the remainder of the fleet?
     
  13. buzby2

    buzby2 Well-Known Member

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    Ady, Haven't been down lately but don't think 53 is due to re-enter traffic yet so should have time to do whatever is necessary.
    Bryan, Don't know the answer I'm afraid but I'm sure someone on here will know.
     
  14. twr12

    twr12 Well-Known Member

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    30053 has had quite a few knocks and bangs over the past couple of years. I think that is why the outer frame member and running plate cracked.
     
  15. olly5764

    olly5764 Well-Known Member

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    It has often been said that Collet must have found his missus in bed with a driver and elected to get revenge on them as a race!
     
  16. buzby2

    buzby2 Well-Known Member

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    I'm sure that has had a great deal to do with it- unfortunately!
     
  17. ady

    ady Well-Known Member

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    I think she died a little while before so I don't think that has anything to do with it!!! I guessing...
     
  18. michaelh

    michaelh Part of the furniture

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    Ian - the story of Collett after the early death of his wife is quite a complex one - to put it simply he was quite devastated.
     
  19. Nigel Clark

    Nigel Clark Member Loco Owner

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    I can now confirm that agreement has been reached with SVR for 6695 to remain on hire with them up to and including May 31st 2010. Thereafter the loco will return to Swanage for the remainder of the year.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank the SVR for the work they have carried out on '95 and for looking after her during her stay at the Valley.

    Thanks also to Swanage Railway for agreeing the extended absence.
     
  20. D1039

    D1039 Guest

    I understand from SVR online that 6695 failed last night, and D1062 deputised for her on the first round trip before being replaced by steam?

    Patrick
     

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