If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

5029: Latest News

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Ben Jervis, Aug 17, 2012.

  1. Ben Jervis

    Ben Jervis Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2008
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    2
    Work continues with what has essentially become an intermediate overhaul. The loco's wheels were sent to South Devon Railway Engineering Ltd last week to receive their new tyres, the valves are receiving attention, as are the axleboxes and horn guides which are all being refurbished. We (5029 Support Group & Loco Services Ltd) have also decided to fit mechanical lubrication to the Castle, as it provides better lubrication to the cylinders and valves compared to the current Hydrostatic System, as well as removing the human element of monitoring the hydrostatic lubricator. The mechanical lubricator to be fitted is from 7027 'Thornbury Castle', and will be overhauled by London & North Western Railway Heritage Co. Ltd. at Crewe. On the footplate, we will be adding a Steam Chest Pressure gauge and cab lighting, which will help the crews. Once the locomotive is back in one piece we can give her fresh coat of paint, in the form of 1950s British Railways "Cycling Lion" livery.

    As some of you are already aware, we are pleased to announce that the 5029 Support Group & Locomotive Services Ltd are in discussions with the Severn Valley Railway with a view of basing the loco there whilst away from mainline commitments. Discussions between both parties are at an early stage, but the indications are positive.
     
  2. SPM82B

    SPM82B New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2006
    Messages:
    20
    Likes Received:
    34
    Occupation:
    RAILWAY MAINTENANCE TEAM LEADER
    Location:
    BRISTOL
    Thats all good news Ben. Look forward to having you back on depot some time soon.
     
  3. buseng

    buseng Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2005
    Messages:
    4,799
    Likes Received:
    349
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tilehurst, Reading, Berks.
    Interesting points. As someone who remembers the Castles in regular service, I am trying to recall the actual situation. Firstly did all double chimney Castles have mechanical lubricators? As for the single chimney ones, I'm not sure. I'm guessing the earlier locos had hydrostatic lubricators & the later ones (5098+ batch?) had mechanical ones. Also to add to the mix, some mechanical lubricator Castles had the unit behind the right hand outside steam pipe, but some had it moved to the front of the steam pipe because it made oiling up the inside valve gear difficult.
    Regarding 5029, out of interest, where will the lubricator be positioned? Also, again out of interest, does that mean it will have one of those "Oil/No Oil" gauges in the cab.
     
  4. Ben Jervis

    Ben Jervis Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2008
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    2
    It'll most likely be in front of the steam pipe. Like you have already mentioned, if it was placed behind the steam pipe it makes access to the RH expansion link difficult. Yes, there will be a "Oil/No Oil" gauge in the cab.
     
  5. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2005
    Messages:
    35,445
    Likes Received:
    9,143
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired-ish, Part time rail tour steward.
    Location:
    Northwich
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    I do hope that no one will now complain about the lack of authenticity because a mechanical lubricator is being fitted....
     
  6. Ben Jervis

    Ben Jervis Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2008
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    2
    I'm sure it won't be to everyone's taste (much like the air compressor!). :)
     
  7. Ruston906

    Ruston906 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    Messages:
    455
    Likes Received:
    99
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Worcestershire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    I now await the long list of people to complain the loco is to big for the SVR use to much coal and water as we have heard when SKP was announced to be resident on the line.
    The second item 1950s British Railways Cycling Lion that blue or green
     
  8. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2009
    Messages:
    21,063
    Likes Received:
    20,773
    Location:
    1016
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    On the other hand, anything that might make lubrication easier and more reliable must make sense. I'm still smarting a bit from the tender hot box on a Plymouth trip a while back that put paid to double headed steam over the Devon Banks that day.
     
  9. std tank

    std tank Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2005
    Messages:
    3,807
    Likes Received:
    946
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Liverpool
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Strange that nothing was ever said about Taw valley isn't it,as this loco has been an SVR resident for a number of years.
     
  10. Ben Jervis

    Ben Jervis Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2008
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    2
    Green. Castles were never painted blue.
     
  11. buseng

    buseng Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2005
    Messages:
    4,799
    Likes Received:
    349
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tilehurst, Reading, Berks.
    Shouldn't do, as mentioned it was a standard fitment on many Castles so will not look out of place. Have a look at 5043.
     
  12. buseng

    buseng Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2005
    Messages:
    4,799
    Likes Received:
    349
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tilehurst, Reading, Berks.
    Thanks for the info.
     
  13. Shoddy127

    Shoddy127 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2005
    Messages:
    1,905
    Likes Received:
    330
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Portsmouth
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Well done Ralph, you've now lit the dynamite! ;)

    Anything that will help make things a little easier for the crew & support crew will always be beneficial. Plus I wonder if all of the moaners have any idea of long it takes to prep, dispose and maintain an engine!

    Also if it helps in keeping the engine on the mainline then needs must. Keep up the good work Ben along with all your colleagues!
     
  14. Ben Jervis

    Ben Jervis Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2008
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    2
    Cheers, Shoddy127. It has been a tough couple of months for the support crew, what with waiting for the tyres etc. We'll now be working extra hard alongside our friends at Tyseley Locomotive Works to get 5029 back together. Many thanks for the kind words!
     
  15. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2005
    Messages:
    12,910
    Likes Received:
    1,387
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Birmingham
    Ben

    If it does come to pass that 5029 moves to the SVR and see's regular useage, would any thought be given to a way of providing steam heat at the front end ?, Im sure your well aware 50% of SVR running is backwards and December (IE Santa's) require a fair number of Loco's, but could be a rather cold trip one way if Nunney is required then.
     
  16. Ben Jervis

    Ben Jervis Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2008
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    2
    Thanks for reminding me David! Other additions that will be made to 5029 are the fitment of steam heat at the front of the loco, and fitment of GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications - Railway).
     
  17. Ruston906

    Ruston906 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2011
    Messages:
    455
    Likes Received:
    99
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Worcestershire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    always a first time
     
  18. brit70000

    brit70000 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2007
    Messages:
    274
    Likes Received:
    30
    Maybe, but NOT on 5029!
     
  19. Ben Jervis

    Ben Jervis Member

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2008
    Messages:
    338
    Likes Received:
    2
    I second that!
     
  20. Fred Kerr

    Fred Kerr Resident of Nat Pres Friend

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2006
    Messages:
    8,239
    Likes Received:
    5,250
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Freelance photo - journalist
    Location:
    Southport
    Originally Posted by Ben Jervis
    Green. Castles were never painted blue

    It's not the blue I object to but the Yellow / Gold number 1 that usually accompanies it !
     

Share This Page