6023 King Edward 11

I think this loco will take the title "all England barking champion". Not only is it in single chimney form, but it has the sleeve inside the chimney which sharpened the bast, "improved draughting". None of us will have heard that sound since 1957/58, but on the 25+ coaches test runs with similarly equiped 6001 in the early 50's, I believe the sound was incredible.

Edit. just seen "bennymilk"s Youtube video of 6023 on the demo line, there's the proof for you.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htmhW7x8lbM

One loud noise snippet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe3kcck19WY&feature=watch_response_rev

 

The Vac pump is a standard GW type, it has been fully overhauled and is fitted with new rings, valves etc.
Because of this it is not fully bedded in yet and is slowly coming to life, eventually it will sound like any other pump.

It started to tick a little yesterday and as I understand it has started to come to life a little more today.

Hope this helps?

 

I agree with this.

When they pushed down on the "loud pedal" yesterday, it made a fabulous noise, the nearest thing I've heard that I could compare it with would be Lydham Manor in full cry up the slope, a magnificent sound. :music:

How are the hills on the Mid Norfolk? Never been there but will be soon! (OK, I suspect that's a bit like asking "how's the downhill skiing in your part of Holland" but one can always dream......)

 

Made the BBC News website too: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12950223

 

What an excellent day I had at Didcot yesterday ! The engine looked and sounded amazing!
Nice to see 5322 again to.

BUT......

I witnessed on serval occasions people being shouted at by old men with camera's. Their crime? walking a little to slowly past the engine!.
I even saw with great distaste a little boy and girl about 9/10 being shouted at as they tried to take a picture of the engine outside the shed!. Come on what is the problem! It was out side for 3hrs hardly a quick stop and off again. The poor kids faces they looked scared and upset! What kind of experince did these kids have? being shouted at for taking an interest.

But on the whole really really good day, cant wait for the 23rd? and two Kings !

Great Western.

 

It's OK. Richard Croucher did say in his launch speech that "I know not everyone likes it in blue, but it's certainly got people talking .... and it is an authentic livery ....."

The interest and news coverage that it has attracted would, I suspect, have been considerably less if it had been in BR Green, or even GWR Green. Ditto the amount of comment on this forum! You don't have to worry about not liking it, livery is always controversial (Don't we know it here!!!). Yesterday's crowds and news coverage are a good enough result to say they did the right thing. Plus, it now has an identity, it's "the blue King" and not just another restored GWR loco. That will matter in the future.

I wonder what the lineside crowds will be like once it hits the mainline in blue, hauling a rake of blood and custards........

 

Unfortunately I didn't make to Didcot today as planned. Is 6023 scheduled to be in service over Easter?

 

In the end I took my eldest son with me as at 6 he is just about old enough to be trusted in crowds that size and to take the official bits. For me it was fantastic to see Didcot so full - presumably putting a good chunk of cash into the coffers in time for sorting out the lease! The young ladies in the canteen deserved a medal for keeping things going with the numbers wanting food etc, and in the main nearly everyone seemed to have the spirit of the day right. It was never going to be a day for a classic 6023 shot 1950's style, and for the most part I found everyone pretty generous to a 6 year old wanting to squeeze to the front to see, and in return we tried to not walk in shot! Ok so we got it wrong occasionally but most were forgiving - I can only think of one growler!

Anyway we probably ended up by accident with the best position in the house - just off the running track as she came off the turntable so I have some rather wobbly video of the tape breaking amid a lot of steam!

 

Cannot wait to see her at the SVR in September

Lewis

 

Yes, Easter Saturday both 6023 and 6024 are running. An occasion not to be missed!

 

thanks Jake

I suspected 6023 had a standard GW type, do you know if 6024 has also as it definately sounds different.

 

6024's vac pump (correct type for a King, can't remember the size off the top of my head) has had some attention over the winter. It now works perfectly and sounds much more like it should. At overhaul it will be coming off the loco for further attention.

 

I went down today to see the Blue King and judging by the difference in crowd levels with that reported yesturday, it's seems like it was a good move!, whats a stunning machine she is in blue, can't wait to see her let loose on the Mainline so we can see what she can really do and how she compares to 6024, my pics from today are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/61102738@N08/sets/72157626296758339/with/5586082511/

 

It occurred to me the other day that the MNR as a base for running in will allow the GWS men to test their air braking with the MNR's Mk2 Blue & White Air braked set. When 9466 visits for their gala, 6023 will have to be paired with the Air set again.

Does anyone else think that a blue king on a blue and white carriage set, whilst not prototypical, might just looks rather excellent?

 

Sadly I'll be working that day. I presume/hope 6023 will be working on he Sunday and Monday as well.

 

I think the jury is out on that one at the moment. Have you stood 10 feet away from Dryswllyn Castle when moving off shed, she makes your chest rattle

 

Is 6023 air braked? It seems to have a single air pipe but I think it is only a through pipe for emergencies.

 

I don't know, to be honest with you. I had just assumed it does, but it may well not. It's what made me think the MNR was the choice for running in (no offence to the MNR, but it doesn't automatically spring to mind).

If it doesn't, the MNR will be pretty strapped for stock on their 9466/6023 gala.

 

Stunning what a good day to go Sunday less people and plenty of good space for pics .Driver told me the King will be going to the GCR wher of course they have a 60mph running line