Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

And in fact, after a bijou Google-ette, an example is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yL8muG98Og

 

I think the last time it ran as such was either in 1999/2000 (could be wrong, but I seem to recall it being sooner than 1996). It also ran as 35002 for a couple of trips, one being a double-header with 34027.

 

It wasn't all hush-hush about 34070's problem at the shareholders' meeting last month, nor were the board enforcing any form of gagging order on all present to keep mum. From a personal standpoint as a shareholder in the said company, I felt it was better that the Brass made an official statement than me spouting off on an internet forum. SLL doesn't have too much of a problem with things entering the public domain, hence why the company accounts are available for public scrutiny on their website, rather than you having to go to Companies House.

 

That will be rather nice.

Anyone know if any of the 35017 number/name plates are from the original 35017 please?

Would be nice to photo some parts of, however small, a loco I had quite a few runs behind in the 1960s.

Including a down ACE run on 10th August 1964 where we took exactly 80 minutes to Salisbury on the 80 minute schedule. Including a check to 30. And a max no more than the high 70s.

 

They don't even reveal whether 35028's plates are original for obvious reasons. I doubt that, even if the 35017 plates are original, they will admit it. Probably not though, I don't think any preserved loco runs with the genuine plates, even when they are in the possession of the owner/owning group.

 

There was a complete original set of Merchant Navy plates (One from each loco) in the P&O building at Canute Rd Southampton. Now that’s a sight to see.

 

Yeah I think she has been disguised as 35017 on VSOE's in the 1990's I think. I've seen videos of 35028 as 35017.

 

UK Railtours have a trip next year with Clanline to Swanage " The Royal Wessex" on Friday 27th April. Fare in standard £ 84.50.

 

Reading the latest SR, it looks like 34059 is going to be out of service until least 2013 on the Bluebell whilst undergoing firebox repairs. As well as the thermic syphons & stay problems, it may have the firebox crown sheet replaced as well.

 

Thats damned bad luck. Lets hope nothing else crops up when stripped down.

 

It looks like a good run that one. One for the diary.

 

Why run it on a Friday though, us normal folk have to work

 

That is a great shame, but at least (from what I've seen in the latest SR) it will recieve a new 10 year certificate at the end of the work. Just as well really, as it would through 4 years of it's ticket by then.

I'm pleased to see that an investigation is also underway, because I'm sure I'm not the only who's wondering why it's had so much trouble. Afterall, this engine went through a thorough restoration. Although saying that, at times, steam locomotives are prone to throwing up surprises.

In any case I wish them well, and hope that once this stumbling period is out of the way, 34059 will prove itself to be the flagship of the fleet. For now though, looks like the Rebuilt BB's torch will be passed to Sir Keith Park. God speed Sir Keith Park! God speed...

 

Join the club. I work Saturdays too and the days of lots of Sunday tours are long gone.

 

Very sad to see that. Must be a very big blow to the Bluebell. I was only indexing my photos of that loco yesterday.

One from her re-dedication service in April 2009. And one from the day after that.

 

Yes, I'm a Saturday man myself. I would have thought it more difficult to fill the trains mid-week, but evidently I'm wrong, as they wouldn't happen if there wasn't a market for them. A crying shame, though (on both counts at the moment). Very good photographs by the way. Mine were taken in drizzly conditions, and are not particularly cherished by myself.

 

Great pictures. Its a real blow for the line especially if 2013 is the date for return. My Dads not into steam locos but he said 34059 is a beautiful engine.

 

You saw more than I did. There were only five. From 35006/8/11/18/21. Now they are in the chief accountants office in Pall Mall.

 

This has set me thinking. I understand that all of these Lines (8 - Orient, 11 - General Steam Navigation, 18 - British India and 21 - New Zealand) became part of the P&O empire at various times, hence the nameplates being where they are. In total though, how many of the Merchant Navy class were operated, or owned, by P&O at any time? Were these the only ones? Thanks in advance.