WHR/FR news

Prince in Boston Lodge Works in May 1952 and again almost exactly 60 years later. Same boiler, although it was new in the earlier shot.

 

Wonder what happened to that cool-looking car in the background of the 1952 shot?

 

It'll be ready next Tuesday.

 

Today's the 50th anniversary of Linda's arrival on the FR. She was in charge of the 1140 and 1600 departures from Port to Blaenau. Pics on the F&WHR Facebook page. Video to follow.

 

Can I ask what the significance of the 590 and 119 on the headboard is? I can't think what that might be. Thanks

Steve B

 

A random guess is that 590 might be its Hunslet works number and 119 is how old the engine is.

 

Correct...

 

What is actually happening about 109! It has been very quiet for a VERY LONG TIME!

 

Unlike you.

It is normally deemed polite, when someone effectively offers you half a million quid, not to keep pestering them.

 

Ahh, the standard reply. If half a million quid is on offer, where is the loco? Of course, the standard reply. I am offered a great deal more than half a million every day and it all lands up in my spam box.

There is a difference between being polite and very curious.

There was nothing but publicity when this project started so it is quite normal to be able to enquire why all this publicity has stopped. An unrestored power bogie even ended up at the Warley show. Live by the press.......... die by the press

 

There is also a difference between being curious and being downright rude...

 

"There is also a difference between being curious and being downright rude... "

Fascinating. Downright rude to ask about the progress of 109? From your responses, I should imagine that there is no progress at all and some folks have rather red faces. I think I shall stick with rude and honest rather than polite and evasive.

A true PR man reply..... focus on attacking the questioner in order to avoid answering with some truth.

I think the only folks that will be fooled by your statements are those who believe politicians.

 

It is all Labour's fault!

 

My guess is that the funding for the apprentice scheme was cut. I doubt that the loco will come back restored and in the end it will be up to the WHR membership.

Indeed, the Blodge rumour mill has just confirmed my suspicions. I guess they are hoping that PW will dig into his own pockets now. A good job that 134 is coming along so nicely. It will be nice to have a 'proper' loco running. There are far too many two faced things running around!

 

Andrew, could I have an update on 109 please, if you have any information to share? I've always had a softspot for the NGG16s and the thought of another one running is quite pleasing!

 

See L&B, not so difficult is it?

 

At the rate 109 currently appears to be going, the Fairratt will be up and running well before 109.....

 

While it's an interesting thing from a technical point of view, not sure i'd like such a thing in the flesh, a bit too "narrow gauge 5AT" for my liking, ok NGG16's are hardley native to Wales, but I just don't get a "heritage feel" for that thing.

I did wonder if it was a joke, but no April 1st date so not sure whether it's serious or not.

 

But still no update!

 

There is a problem with the amount of publicity the 109 project was given when started, as now the lack of any information just leads you to assume there is no progress. This is a very great shame, one benefit of 109 proceeding would have been the cost sharing of all the brasswork needed for both 109 and 134 would have benefited both projects.

However, 134 is making steady progress, and we will need a fourth large engine in 'only' six years time when 87's ticket is up. The progress 134 is making should fill that gap. Even now, 87 will need some TLC as soon as 138 is completed, and one thing we have learnt is that large engines take a lot of workshop time and effort when five and ten year overhauls are required.

Please do support 134, a well run project that deserves to succeed. The last parts ( the rear dragbox) have been removed from the frames, and now re-furbished parts are being refitted. Some of the stalwarts have been working on her since 1999, long running but should be worth the wait, but those brass parts are going to cost. Give generously.

Regards

Peter