Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

Yes- I was aware of this, but both engines are being restored at Bury, and I understood (another snippet from somewhere) that they were being restored in tandem, to emerge about the same time. Admittedly, considering 35027 is a complete loco wherreas 35009 was (until very recently) a rather incomplete set of parts, a change to this scenario would be quite understandable, as 35009 would obviously require far more work. Having said that. Riley's have a pretty impressive record when it comes to rapid restorations and overhauls. Anyway. we wait and see...............

 

I believe 34073 had a fairly complete set of inner motion, certainly a complete set of combination levers. This is why the MHR had no objections to Ian Rileys request to allow the hulk of the loco to travel north to Bury for them to be extracted.

I also seem to remember at the time that it was promised that anything used/borrowed from 34073 would ultimately be replaced with new components in due course.

Also whilst 34073 was based at Ropley, i was told from a long standing MHR volunteer that 34073 had over 75% of the parts required to complete a restoration, including a kit tender.

Certainly the owners asking price that was quoted a few years ago when the loco was put up for sale seemed to reflect that, as it was ludicrously expensive for an unrestored hulk.

 

Another SLL update for you to peruse regarding plans for 34053: Southern Locomotives Ltd | Latest News

Also the current status of 35006: GWR - Gloucestershire's mainline heritage railway - April

Exciting times for Bulleid fans!

 

According to the SLL website, 34053 should be on its way to the SVR today. Progress reports will be eagerly awaited!

 

There was a photo doing the rounds on Facebook last night appearing to show 34053 being manouvred out of Herston works!

 

Fingers crossed for an uneventful and swift journey! I'm planning on going down to Bridgo later on today to have a closer look at it. It'll be nice to have an active lump of southern junk on the railway

 

I would have expected something the size of a BoB to be delivered to Kiddy rather than BH. Then will be coupled to its tender before being moved to BH. As the tender is new, I doubt that has happened before!

 

I don't think so Dave. Granted that would be the usual custom but there has been no traffic notice issued for a LE move/tow to BH. There's a surprising amount of room at the back of the boiler shop I suppose!

 

Anything to break the monotony of brass and copper-clad razor-blade fodder ! Anyway, the new tender is the only part of the locomotive that has been on Swanage Railway metals, so presumably, that will be picked up at Norden.

 

Various reports on WRGEN (ta RS, DK and others) 34053 has made it as far as Rownhams Services on M27 on way north tonight- DH

 

Some photos of yesterday and today at Herston:

https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/Restoration2012#5740646411144266674

 

Forgotten to paint a damper door bracket? I like it!!! 34070 looks somewhat forlorn, now, particularly as you can't see 34072 from the entrance...

 

That unpainted bracket really sums up preservation/restoration. No matter how much progress you think you've made, there'll always be something else that needs doing!

She looks great out in the open. A credit to all involved. I can't wait to see SKP in it's full form with tender attached over the next couple of days. Will this be the first time loco has been connected to tender?

Manston does look a little lost in there now, but it's nothing to how spacious it'll be when it returns to Swanage. Is 34072 the next project to tackle?

 

257 Squadron is indeed the next major project on the horizon, and I'm thinking of forking out for this one in the near future. 34053 has never been attached to the tender as far as I know. I'm looking forward to seeing her complete for the first time; I'm sure all fellow shareholders feel the same. I'm lucky insofar that I purchased my share pretty late-on into the project, and did not have to wait too long before seeing the result.

 

Yes, fingers crossed that all goes well when loco and tender are put together and commissioning starts. Thanks BP, and thanks to all the SLL supporters for making this restoration possible. While SLL is a relatively well organised and experienced group the reality is that like all broadly based restoration groups we need continuing financial support to achieve results.

There's more about how we do that here: Southern Locomotives Ltd | Shareholders Scheme

PS: If anyone has a photo of SKP en-route to Bridgnorth, we'd appreciate a copy for our gallery. Please email to nicksidmouth@gmail.com

 

Hi

I am off to Bridgnorth latter today to see skp arrive will email you some pictures - do you know of an eta for it at Bridgnorth?

 

No, but given that it spent the night on the M27 near Southampton and cruises at 20 mph I don't think you need to rush. Nick

 

I am driving from Hampshire to the West Midlands today, by chance - hopefully I might see Sir Keith on the move!

 

I may be wrong, but I would have thought the loco would be destined for SVR metals at Kidderminster. I'm not sure the road access to Bridgnorth works can take such a large loco.

As ever, someone "in the know" will confirm or otherwise.

 

I would agree with you. I don't think that the low loader being used will fit up the road access to Bridgnorth MPD. But I might be wrong too.....