Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

Just a quick bump to say that money is still available that can be doubled to help restore Sir Archibald Sinclair. Current figure stands at just under £30k to the project, about half what is needed, but a very welcome boost to finances.

Donate to Sir Archibald Sinclair Restoration, run by Bluebell Railway Trust | The Big Give

Tom

 

Looks like the match funding has just run out. Final amount donated was £18,121, resulting in a total raised of £36,191. So a bit shy of what was hoped, but £36k towards the project is still better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, so to speak. It seems some other charities were quicker off the mark on day one and two in using all the "Big Give" component of the match funding.

Donations can be still be made, but they won't be match-funded. Thanks to anyone here who has made a donation.

Tom

 

Breaking news: The Bluebell has obtained another £2,500 of match funding. So the challenge is back on, and the next £2,500 raised will also be doubled, which with any luck will put the total above £41,000. See Donate to Sir Archibald Sinclair Restoration, run by Bluebell Railway Trust | The Big Give

Later breaking news: For £2,500, read £7,500 and therefore the next £7,500 can be doubled - so the potential to be raised has gone up to £51,000, plus applicable gift aid.

Tom

 

The following was in the Bluebell fortnightly newsletter, and gives the latest on the fundraising:

Tom

 

Just a gentle reminder that the Big Give is still running; the total raised is currently about £42,000. Tomorrow (Wednesday 19th) is the last day for online donations.

Donate to Sir Archibald Sinclair Restoration, run by Bluebell Railway Trust | The Big Give

Tom

 

From the Bluebell website:

Incidentally, on a fundraising note: Going on those figures, the average online donation size is about £72, which is broadly similar to other online "campaigns" we have had, such as the DDD.

Tom

 

Hi all,
Does anyone have any news regarding 34092 'City of Wells'? Is she due in traffic this year following her Steam Test?
Thanks
Andy

 

Steam Railway Magazine suggests she will be back this year along with 35006, 34027 and 34081.

 

Also, 34053 should be having its rededication ceremony on the SVR on 31 August. See SLL news page for details.

 

What a pity SR didn't ask anyone from the 34081 team about her being back in traffic this year. We hope to have her done by the end of the year but there's a lot of work to do yet.

 

From the Bluebell newsletter:

Tom

 

Thanks Tom, confirms my thought that as much as we'd like to see 34059 back pulling service trains this year it's probably not going to happen. If the predicted nine months work of repairs is necessary then with it starting in April the loco won't be ready until January 2014 at the earliest. Still you never know the workshop guys might be able to pull a rabbit from the hat and have the loco ready for Giants Of Steam.

 

Does anyone know where 34051 is now? Haven't seen/heard anything of it since the MHR gala last year

 

If I remember correctly, it's still at the MHR for potential repaint there.

 

Thanks, just doesn't seem to be any mention of it on the website

 

With any luck 34051 will be displayed at the Spring gala. There are a few photos of 34105 boiler being removed on the MHR web site from Monday.

Welcome to the Machine... (apologies to Pink Floyd) | Watercress Line

 

For all of you out there who enjoyed our 2012 video of Sir Keith Park's grate being rocked*, here's another scene from Herston Works. This time it shows Hot Rivetting of the new tender for 34072 257 Squadron.

Hot Rivetting the frames of the new tender for 34072 257 Squadron - YouTube

The tender will be the third built by SLL to run with their Bulleids. More on 34072's overhaul can be found here: 34072 Overhaul Appeal

*anyone who can't get enough of grates being rocked can get their fix here: Grate1.wmv - YouTube

 

There has now been a big step forward for the tender frames for 34007.

Wadebridge Tender Frames « Mid-Hants Railway 'Watercress Line'

 

What's the next Bulleid (either type) out of the works next? 34027 maybe?

 

Either 35006 or 34027. My money's on the former.