VSOE 19TH MARCH.

Not laying any blame, but I know 46115 had vacuum brake troubles last year, than had a middle big end failure a week or so later. Don't know about 44932 though.

 

I only know what has been reported on forums like this (sometimes by you) and in the heritage press. What's your point? I am not knocking WCRC; I've enjoyed many good runs with them. Did I imagine what happened on the two Cotton Mill Expresses that I was on?

 

Ah Tree fellas..............!!!!!


Mike M. (70c)

 

Osprey, please try and use some common sense here!

Tangmere travelled down from Carnforth to Southall the day prior to working the tour. A long day for the support crew so they're not then going to spend the evening and majority of the night cleaning the loco when this tour also required a very early start off Southall on Saturday morning so plenty of ZZZZ's were essential. Plus this being 34067's first proper run it will still be under the microscope for other teething troubles.

Can't remember exactly when Clan Line had its last main line outing but no doubt the support crew would have cleaned the engine numerous times as it's been sat in Stewarts Lane awaiting this run so no engine movement the previous day to working this VSOE tour. Ok, only an FTR to take place but still ample amounts of time for cleaning and preparation and a later start as well with a considerably earlier finish.

I can see why you have commented the way you have but unfortunately you've not seen the bigger picture and totally missed the obvious.

 

By no way am I suggesting the crew clean the loco after a day such as that, indeed sometimes I don't think people realise what the crews do. Looking at videos on it,s trip down from Carnforth it seems to have left there looking externally a bit uncared for. Rust on buffers for a start. Considering the time it has been up there, surely they could have made it a bit more presentable. My outlook on life is if the job is worth doing it,s worth doing right.

 

Also bear in mind no doubt the same support crew assisted with 44932 from Southall to Carnforth on another long day only two days before coming back with 34067.

Mike M. (70c)

 

I don'nt think in anyway that the crews were responsible for the appearance of Tangmere. I would have thought the parties who carried out the repairs could have turned it out looking a little smarter, but in any case i am not party to the contract arrangements.

 

It looked just fine to me. I can count on one hand the number of steam locomotives that I saw running in BR steam
days that were anywhere near as clean as Tangmere on Saturday. It is a working steam engine after all. <BJ>

 

I agree with Shoddy. People complaining about the cleanliness of the loco, lack of nameplates, etc. are missing the point. It's great to see her back in action, especially on Southern metals. I'm sorry she's suffering steam leaks on the driver's side, and hope that's something that can be cleared up without too much difficulty. There's a busy season ahead and I'm sure there's room on the support crew roster for anyone determined that a job should be done well ;-)