SVR Loco Newsy News / discussions

I hope of one of them is fixed quickly as next weekend we are advertised as not running a diesel on a C timetable so 4 engines are needed on Saturday and Monday and 5 on Sunday. As it is we have 4 working steam engines.

 

I find it strange how they run a diesel loco this weekend and the weekend after Easter, but not over Easter weekend itself!

 

Both this weekend and April 14/15 are Thomas weekends for which a 'Diesel' character and Daisy/DMU play their part.

Weekly diesel running is due to commence in May. The summer Saturday diesel turn on 'C' was brought in as an extra service, not a replacement for a steam diagram. Otherwise a 'B' timetable would run.

In the past when there has been a steam failure or shortage, IIRC a Western has run the diner, or a diesel runs one return trip with the steam loco from the diner being swapped with it and covering the second return trip. AFAIA the Warship, 50s and 20s are de-winterised.

Usual caveat, I'm not involved in the operational railway. I stand to be corrected on the above

Patrick

 

Catch me who Can update Catch Me Who Can - News

7812 - The water feed pipe to the injector from the tender to the loco came adrift on 31 March. She was "attacked by men with spanners" at Bewdley and a quick fix allowed her to return to Bridgnorth

2857 was unwell today, cause as yet uncertain, and 7812 stood in (both SVRA forum)

Patrick

 

Looks if SKP can not arrive quick enough

 

All 6 home locos currently in service.

Railway Magazine reports 43106 is to be a star turn at KWVR's Autumn Steam Gala which is on 14-16 October

Patrick

 

12th to 14th October

 

Engines not available for use (13/4): 42968 Washout, boiler exam and valve ring exam

Then;

42968: Thurs 19th April - LE to Bewdley
Fri 20th April – Photo charter


Patrick

 

Pannier 7714 will be removed from The Engine House Vistor Centre at Highley this week, and travel to Bridgnorth

Engines not available for use:

2857 Boiler repairs
7812 Washout and boiler exam from Tuesday

Patrick

 

Does that indicate that the overhaul on 7714 will start soon? Will be nice to have a Pannier out on the line again, never had one on the SVR and am looking forward to seeing one out again

 

The overhaul is already underway in that a 57xx pannier boiler is currently receiving major attention in the Bridgnorth boilershop. This boiler will replace the one currently on 7714 (there are 3 boilers for 2 locos).

The mechanical overhaul of this loco is the next one to follow 1501.

 

Work on the spare pannier boiler is underway and I think the mechanical side of things doesn't need too much work so the overhaul shouldn't take too long.

 

Bridgnorth Station Twitter 21 April:

2857 is in the loco shed being prepped for its boiler to be removed for repairs by owner group

1501 is continuing her steam test in the boiler shop

Patrick

 

So with 2857 out, is that five active engines? Two Prairies, the Manor, 43106 and 42968.

Serious fingers crossed times....

 

Correct, with 34053 due to arrive in around two weeks time (end of this month ish). Not an ideal situation, but 28' needs to be done. Hopefully she won't be missing for too long.

 

I think if I was the SVR motive power chief I would be picking up the phone and asking that nice Mr Meanley at TYS if he has a spare Pannier we can borrow in the Summer...... just in case for instance 2968 goes down, it is the last year of its boiler cert. Not wishing anything on 2968 of course!

 

I'm sure there are contingency plans in place and would be amazed if Duncan Ballard hasn't been exploring the possibility of a second hire in, even if it is short term. But bare in mind that, come the middle of the year, it's feasible that we will have an active fleet of 8 again (43106, 42968, 7812, 2857, 5164, 4566, 34053, 1501).

 

At times it seems that a steam locomotive's sole purpose is to try and self destruct.

 

7714 was returned to Bridgnorth yesterday from the engine house. Work will start soon on a mechanical overhaul so that the frames are ready to accept the pannier boiler (which is actually the one 7714 arrived at the railway with) currently being worked on in the boiler shop.

28's problem is a known issue that has been pushed forward. Best to deal with it now than risk it getting worse. Can't comment on it in any detail in a public forum as yet.


From Southern Locomotives Ltd's picasa feed....

https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/Restoration2012#5735239658661890162

Sir Keith looking largely complete and very shiny! Presumably "D-day" is the date of it's journey to Bridgnorth. Getting close!