34092 City of Wells

I was told from the co-owner that during the course of time that the overhaul has taken, mainline standards have changed to such a degree that some of the 'restoration' no longer meets the mainline standard which is why it wont be mainline registered.

 

A pity, but I can understand the owners views.

 

City of Wells was in light steam yesterday ready for its official steam test today.

 

The way she was blowing off at about 5.00pm yesterday, I wouldn't describe it as "light steam".

John

 

Sounds like she'll be exactly as she was 30 years ago then! Anyone got any photos of her in the yard from yesterday?

 

Given the cost of operating on the main line what would be the cost / requirements to allow 34092 to be towed on the main line so that it coukd visit other lines (e.g. SVR, Swanage, WSR, ELR, NYMR) where the loco could be run over a decent line length and be a worthy visitor to generate further income ? Or is that option also prohibitive ?

 

Considering the ease with which locomotives that have never gone mainline in preservation were taken to Eastleigh a few years back, it would appear that the costs are not prohibitive? Although it would still need to be weighed up against the cost of a trailer. It would probably become expedient only if another mainliner going to the same place were to provide the power?

 

This months Steam Railway carries an article on this iconic locomotive, along with a talk to Engineer John Adams. He reveals that it is the intention to put it back on the main line at some point.

 

Have there been any news of her since the last post were posted on her back in May?

 

The last thing I found that was recent was a photo from October. The World's newest photos of haworth and kwvr - Flickr Hive Mind

 

Maybe 34092 could visit the Bluebell Railway in he near future and be one of the first visiting loco to use the extension. Now that should put the icing on the cake for the BB.

 

There is word circulating that she might well be trial working today. Is anyone able to confirm? Thanks.

 

Does anyone have an update on the question of main line running, considering the above post is nearly two years old now ?

Thanks

 

Great to see another Spamcan nearing completion to run again. Would love to see her visit the Bluebell or Mid-Hants so it could pair-up with green Mk.1/Bulleid carriages.

 

If memory serves me right the plan for 34092 was to do primarily preserved work for a few years with the costs going towards fitting out for mainline running. But as you say that was about 2 years ago so she could go straight onto the mainline or not run on it at all during its new ticket.

 

Steam tested today re Farcebook.

 

Also see the Bulleid thread for a picture.

 

I don't think I will be imparting any "state secrets" here, but following a conversation with 'Jock' Adams some 6 months ago, the intention to complete Wells to full main line standard again has always been the case ! It is expected that after a prolonged running in period at the KWVR and maybe the odd visit elsewhere, she will help earn the not inconsiderable sum to enable the purchase and fitting of the OTMR etc. to eventually return mainline.

 

Great news, many thanks

 

A few years ago wcr paid for the gubbins to go on 5690 then had a return through its use on the network. Food for thought.