MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Does anyone know what is on the cards for 41312 in the immediate future?

 

Just to add that I believe the MHR has been wanting to put a lot of these "who-pays-for-overhaul" disputes behind it. The Std 4 76017 and Swanage were settled in a kind of arbitration process a couple of years ago and this was announced on the MHR web site at the time. So that will explain why work is progressing on those two. I haven't heard the story that one of John Bunch's engines must be in ticket at the end of the running agreement in 2014 but it sounds a plausible explanation for the U being outshopped (and it looks terrific out in the sunshine).

Theres clearly a danger ahead for any steam railway if they become over-dependent on one owning body for a large part of their fleet and business and I'd say the MHR has been doing a pretty good job of making sure that doesn't happen again. I'd imagine the same thoughts have occured at other railways.

I know theres been a desire for a 80000 tank for some time and 80150 was one of not-very-many options available. Its perhaps fortunate that the railway was able to free up the space occupied by the Bricklayers arms turntable as part of the same deal, as space is at a premium for the next phase of building work to get under way. Its rather a good bit of asset planning - even if its back-breaking digging it out of the undergrowth.

The Spring Gala line-up has just been announced on the MHR web site - 9 engines in steam!

 

Noticed and surprised that 34016 now resides in the headshunt of doom.

Is it just temporary or is that it now for"Bodmin", 4 years of rotting away, uncovered?

Colin Chambers said at the time of withdrawal, that this was not going to happen.

Has there been a change of policy? I realise that space is at a premium.

 

My dear Andrew:

There is so much going on at the moment in Ropley yard, what with completing phase 1, starting on phase 2, of the building programme ,not to mention the arrival of new Loco.s and preparing for the Steam gala, and you have the affront to whinge about an out of ticket Loco thats in a siding allegedly not of your choice?

I suggest you contact the owner to get it tarpaulined over, or better still buy a tarpaulin yourself and I will gladly do the job for you as you live so far away.

Please be more positive.

Regards
Chris>

 

I saw her last weekend with her name plates removed for safe keeping.

 

Not whinging at all Chris. The reference to the headshunt of doom is meant to be light hearted and not taken seriously.

I am curious thats all. My enquiry is just out of interest, as Colin Chambers had stated in a recent MHNews that the loco would not be allowed to deteriorate like some others have in the past.

Of course a tarpaulin would help stop the rot so to speak, but as you quite rightly say the owner should supply said item. It seems he is obviously not fussed about the condition of the loco when he eventually gets it back.

As for being negative, far from it. How can anybody connected with the MHR feel negative with all the positive news that is flowing from the railway at the moment.

Sorry if the tone of my post, made you get that impression.

 

Sorry I forgot to say Eastleigh group 30828 was moved in to Ropley yard last weekend and is coming along very nicely.

 

Apology accepted Andrew and sorry for my rant too.

Kind regards
Chris.

 

5224 is rosterd to work trains over the Gala so it must be an extention to its certificate. Although very tired mechanicly it does steam well when I have seen it. I expect that it will reside in the Wheeldrop shed for its bottom end overhaul once the Gala is over and Nelson is out again as I believe the idea was to drop out the wheels for axlebox overhaul.
David

 

Just reading these last few pages, there really is a staggering number of locos 'on site' at the Mid-hants. A fascinating state of flux too with locos arriving, soon departing, going out of ticket, coming into ticket, under overhaul... certainly the next few years will be interesting times for the motive power situation on the railway. Just out of interest, what is the list of locos currently on site (regardless of who owns what, and what's staying and what isn't!):

31806, 31625, 31874, 30566, 30499, 30828, 34016, 34007, 35005, 34106, 34058, 30850, 60019, 92212, 5224, 41312, 45379, 30076(?), 75079, 80150, 76017, 73096

That's 22 locos, only 4 of which are tank engines, and includes 6 pacifics!

Soon to be joined by 30825...!

Which leads me to another question: Regardless of their current individual condition, could it be argued that the MHR is currently home to the most impressive selection of ex-BR motive power in the country? I would suggest that this claim was once the preserve of the SVR especially during their motive power peak in the early/mid 1990s, but times a change perhaps...?

 

I think there's also 'Thomas' and 'Douglas' (ex Austerity 0-6-0ST locos)
Not sure if 60019 has moved to Southall yet?


Keith

PS: I think you meant 30506 and 34105?

 

Yes, yes, yes, and err yes! lol

 

You missed out 30075 too.

The full list can be found here (ignoring 9017, 3717 & 6024 as they are gala guests)

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/The-Works/Locomotives

 

That's the first I've heard of 825 leaving the NYMR.

 

And where would we be without Barry? All but 3 I think.

 

As mentioned previously, an amazing collection for a railway that only needs 2 engines for its peak season.

 

I'l get my coat...

Ok, apologies for getting a couple of numbers wrong and exchanging the NRM's 'Schools' for the NYMR's S15 - but the general premise remains! ;o)

 

I think you will find the boiler ticket hasn't expired on 5224 and is still running on its current ten year ticket.