Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

I think WCRC often operate steam trains with air-brakes. If a loco and rolling stock are air-brake fitted, it would seem odd not to use it. For example, I video'd Tangmere at Salisbury last year, restarting a train to London. The air pump was certainly working that evening. On GB7, I saw 60009 standing at Huntly station, and the air pump was running.

The fact that they've decided not to fit air pumps to their "own" locos is a separate matter.

 

The configuration of Some systems require the pump to be running at all times regardless of which type of train brake is in use. Not sure about 34067 but certainly 71000 is set up that way amongst others.
The air brake valve controls the application and release of the locomotive brake simultaneously with the vacuum train brake I believe in such configurations not unlike more modern traction which is dual fitted.

 

Yes, that's what I thought. The pump is usually still running. 60163's pump was certainly audible with the vac-fitted stock at the last SSS gala at Llangollen.

 

Three shots of Clan Line today passing through Feltham Station / Feltham West on the British Pullman:

https://flic.kr/p/oyV83w
https://flic.kr/p/oyVw6p
https://flic.kr/p/oyUDVM

Unfortunately she was held behind the 12.59 to Windsor & Eton thus was only trundling along.

 

Braunton has already done a successful "test" run on the VSOE/Belmond Surrey Hills circular which is the main steam run these days apart from a couple of Bath & Bristol trips. Braunton itself is due for an intermediate boiler overhaul very shortly, but should be back in service before Clan Line finishes (in June 2015, I believe).

 

Tangmere often runs with air braked WCRC stock. However operation of the air pump is not necessarily an indication that the train is air braked, as many air brake fitted locos require the air pump to be in use for correct functioning of AWS/TPWS, even if the coaching stock is vacuum braked.

 

A small update on the Bulleid Society website, noting that Blackmore Vale has been moved over to the loco yard such that the new brake gear can be fitted. The original brake gear is currently on Braunton ...

http://www.bulleidsociety.org/News/Latest_News.html

I was on the shunt loco (the H class) a couple of weeks ago when we moved her from her long-time location in the up-side milk dock at Sheffield Park over to the down-side dock siding. Lots of fun in that one, though understandably a move that needed to be made with care. It was done between service trains on the Sunday afternoon of the vintage weekend.

Tom

 

Interesting Tom-any idea why the swap?


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It's nice to see that the Bulleid Society are getting on with what small bits they can while they obtain firebox parts and 21C123 patiently awaits her call from the workshop. I can understand why she's parked in the milk dock, she's an impressive machine to have on display in full public view but after a year or so outside her paint is beginning to fade and it would be a shame if she got into a Bodmin-like state. Perhaps it's time to swap her for a loco in the shed?

 

I can only assume that Braunton needed the parts to keep her in traffic and those on Blackmore Vale were a suitable source that were known to be in good condition, but weren't needed imminently. So I guess a suitable deal was done. Sorry I can't be of more help - the first I knew about it was when the duty Operating Supervisor on the day came up to us as we dozed in the afternoon sun and said "get some steam on, I want you to shift that big green thing" *

* Some artistic licence may have been applied in the retelling of this story ...

Tom

 

Fair play, thanks Tom!


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I dunno, from my experience that's pretty much exactly how most moves get organised...!

 

Some excellent photos of 34028 Eddystone's last weekend in service, starting here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/50SLLAtSwanage201314#6051414855586724978

SLL have launched an appeal to raise funds for Eddystone's overhaul here:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/34028/34028_Appeal.html

 

The latest SD brochure says that 35018 is to appear regularly on the CE's once rebuilding is complete (expected during 2015).
Shame they show a picture of 35022 though.

 

That might be the one reason for me to book a trip with them next year, although I think I'll wait and see what RTC pulls out of the hat first. An ACE to Exeter looks increasingly likely with all-Bulleid motive power next year.

 

Hopefully it will be on the July 9th trip to Weymouth out via Yeovil . Not via Staines based on outline times
London Waterloo - Weymouth 0955 1505 1800 2230
Woking - Weymouth 1025 1505 1800 2200

 

I am looking at a 35018 trip, got to see the beast in person

 

You will, when you book on said trip and she's on the front.............

 

Or the Mid Hants could hire her and P&O to save me a trip ;-)


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Best start putting yer money where yer mouth is then lol!

I'm sure they'd love you to sponsor a Bulleid Fest.............