Bluebell Motive Power

847? Will 73082 also be ready?

Do you now...!

I would think the IoW would want to use the locomotive they have completed the restoration/overhaul on at their own line rather than send it back to the mainland instantly for a long duration....!

 

This is probably a dreadful hostage to fortune, because we all know that the only certainty in loco restoration is that things don't go to plan.

But with good luck (especially if the existing fleet stay reliable enough to allow the workshop to concentrate on overhauls), two to three years from now I think we could have in service:

847
541
73082
34059

592
263
B473??

323
178
3

With 928, 80151, 65 and 27 under overhaul and 84030 and 32424 under construction. Which would be the healthiest the fleet has been for several years, and with a bias for locos nearer the beginning of a ticket than the end.

Tom

 

While I am sure it will be a fine loco, and much as their are cordial relations between the two railways, I rather suspect the IoWSR would want to hold on to their Ivatt now they have spent all that time restoring her!

Also, I'm a bit confused about their being "precious little in the pipeline" when 847 is due back into service imminently (and 592 from an "intermediate"); 73082 has her boiler away for overhaul and the bottom end is being worked on; 541 is under overhaul and 34059 now has a commitment to have her boiler sent away, probably within months?

Tom

 

will S15 847 have STOWE's superheater elements as planned? this seems another rather daft economy measure that isnt going to do much to ensure the loco lasts her 'ticket'. 'if a job's worth doing....' springs to mind yet again.
cheers,
julian

 

I"d love to see a Deltic on the Bluebell in green of coarse, now that would really get the purists in a tiz.

 

Who is to say this will never happen? While the Bluebell have been forced to compromise their "steam only" policy on service trains this year due to a succession of steam loco failures, once the situation described by Tom (above, post #721) comes to pass, with adequate numbers of steam locos to cover the scheduled services, I don't think we will see a repeat of the recent diesel substitutions. However, the main line link now gives railtour promoters the chance to run excursions through to Sheffield Park - a potentially attractive destination with the gardens just up the road. There is no logical reason why steam tour operators would consider SP a worthwhile destination but diesel tour promoters wouldn't. Furthermore, the Bluebell Line, and indeed the entire Oxted Line network, would constitute some interesting unusual mileage for diesel enthusiasts with a love for one particular class. I remember a 45 running through to Uckfield on a miserable winter day about 25-30 years ago and a pair of 37s visiting both Uckfield and East Grinstead in early 2007 or 2008. I would think that a trip with a high-profile class, such as a Deltic, Western or '50' would go down well. It's hard to think that there would be any objections on ideological grounds, at least from those responsible for giving the thumbs-up for such tours.

 

Main Blubell website now says "L150" failed with a tube problem. Any news as to a resolution of the problem, or does it require further investigatio?

46118

 

Hmmmmmm, I am beginning to wonder about all these failures. It appears to be a same things over and over again such as tubes, springs and firebox problems pointing to IMHO the state of the permanent way.

I suspect that there will be a contract out on myself from Bluebell members for the saying this but the evidence is there including video footage on U-Tube.

What do others think please?

Regards
Chris:

 

I think that is harsh.

Locos move from one area to another and dependant on the water and/or water treatment regime of the locos and their owner's desires, it is not completely unheard of for some issues around water tightness to be observed.
Without knowing the extent of the tube problems then it is very unfair to comment.
I also see absolutely NO correlation between stay material specification and the state of the PWAY.
And before I am targeted as pro Bluebell, I have no connection with them and have only ever visited once.

 

What you mean apart from a Standard 5, S15 and Q even if Archie isn't ready?

If you're such an expert why are posting anonymously on an Internet forum and not telling Lewis Nodes what he needs to be doing?

 

What's the score with 178? I remember reading a few weeks ago that 323 failed with reverser issues, but would be attended to after 592 was finished (photo on the Bluebell's facebook of 592 being warmed for test runs! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200398118700328&set=o.37982240966&type=1&theater) Or was it 178 that failed and some wires got crossed?

 

No, it was 323 with the reverser problem (I have the overalls soaked in pump oil to prove it...)

AFAIK, when the problem with the copper was identified, 178 was withdrawn for precautionary checks on the firebox (in tandem with several other engines). I haven't heard anything since, but it is possible that it is just waiting to be tested, or else is now serviceable but hasn't just made it back into service yet.

Tom

 

I think people need to a bit more pragmatic about the issue of motive power it sounds if the board have the right idea make sure the timetabled trains run. There is nothing more likely to stop people coming back than the train not running and waiting for hours.
The best option maybe looking to hire in a 73 or another 33 to make sure there is a service without the vast cost of bringing in another steam loco they might not use if the home fleet is quickly repaired.
As the line expands and I believe they are looking into some third rail eventually people need to remember history did not stop in 1967 and there is plent of railway history that needs to be preserved for future generations.

 

Like everybody else on this forum I have my own thoughts on this matter, some of which I expressed before matters took the turn they did. However we are doing the Bluebell no favours by picking over the body! They have a railway to run including locating motive power in reasonable condition to tide them over the present awkwardness.

Can we not just let them get on with it for a while?

Paul H.

 

Really?, wait until the next spring,firebox and tube goes tits up, then call me harsh.

Regards
Chris:

 

Maybe grab a couple of HST units as well as the 73 when the electrification out of Paddington is completed. Get them main line certified so they could run to and from Victoria.

Hire in a 47, get hold of that green Deltic and bingo. A superb Giants of Diesels event.

Then add the third rail and all sorts of possibilities arise. Rebuild some 2-Bils, a 4-Sub and a 4-Epb unit. Get the 4-Cor and the Brighton Belle back into service. Maybe even rebuild a 4-Rep too. And, yes, you've guessed, a Giants Of Electrics event looms.

Tom, you know what all this will mean. No more overalls soaked in oil. You can wear a white technicians coat that always stays clean!

 

The day they lay a third rail at Horsted is the day I decide I have better things to do with my life than couple and uncouple old trains...

Tom

 

Good luck squeezing an HST down the line to EG! If it carries on the way it has the Terriers will start to struggle by then...

 

After seeing the 'Latest News' on the Bluebell website, I had a quick look on YT for footage of last weekends dining train;


Lovely to see those two in action, especially on the pullman! Is this the first time Stepney has ever taken the 'Arrow'?

 

The firebox issues are due to the use (unknowingly) of the incorrect copper for stays etc. If it wasn't for this, probably most of the engines would be in service. Yes, the track is an issue, I imagine that trackwork maintenance will be a big part of the infustructure maintenance program over the next few years. Maybe you could contribute to the funding to speed the process up, prove that you don't always Bluebell bash?
Daniel