Carnforth Overhauls.

Does anyone know how the current overhauls are progressing at Carnforth? I think the possibles include the 8F, 44932, and 45699.

Any info appreciated.

46118

 

44932, i wasnt aware it had moved yet?

 

I didn't know 45699 was at carnforth, but the 8F had its boiler steam tested last week out of the frames, a good source says it'll be doing a test run in the near future, its booked for at least one railtour very soon. as for 932, I personally think that'll be tested not far behind the 8F, I know they're both being sorted from speaking to workers as I live not far away. but they sometimes dont even let them know whats going on till the last minute. as for 45699??? aint seen or heard nowt.

 

Well for a local if you had been on site in July last year you would have seen the work ongoing on 5699 first hand.

8151 wasn't even in works then

 

well, I missed that. but 44932 will have its boiler tested this week according to a reliable source, so I.ll be making regular trips to spy on the proceedings. maybe I'll see 45699 in the process,

 

Better hope your mate is reliable then as nothing official ever comes out of Carnforth, Mr Smith likes to keep us guessing.

 

OK, just been to carnforth, outside the shed is leander in light steam tender to the doors, beside it an unknown loco smokebox to the doors, up the middle shed 45231 in light steam, a bloke going on shed said, 45231 on steam test for work on tubes, 45932 not ready yet and galatea is next, he was in a hurry so didn't get clarification nor what the loco beside leander is. I'll be there tomorrow to see what I can see. bear in mind what david 1984 said!.
we shall see what we shall see.

Ah ,45699 is galatea, saw 45231 and a boiler out of frames on steam test outside middle shed today wed, a bloke who works there said galatea is just a boiler on wheels but the boiler is nearly finished and the boiler out of frames on test is 48151.45932 is at the back of the Q. I must have got 45932 and 45699 mixed up.

 

Everyone seems to be cheering on overhaul #4. What about the preceding three?

 

I probably have, I mean the black five that I believe Mr Smith bought half of not too long ago. I'm no good at numbers, it arrived at carnforth on a low loader the same day as another loco (also on a wagon) cant remember what the other one was.
Ah yes 44932, last time it was at carnforth it was green.

 

Cor! what, tues that bloke gave me the rundown on 4 loco's, by the time I got home it was a job to remember it all.
as for #4 ???!.
he said galatea next year, and then, maybe sooner who knows.
the bloke on monday said galatea's next.
so thats it.
45231 was still in front of middle shed, dead, and there were three bods clambering over the boiler thats supposed to be 48151, looked like attaching lifting gear.

 

I'd expect 48151 to be ready before the others. IIRC, it's pencilled in for a come-back tour next month. Then again, with Smith & Co, you never know until you see it in steam!

 

I'm surprised to hear that Galatea is ahead of 44932. Thought 44932 was well advanced in its overhaul at Butterley and would be qiuicker to finish than the Jub, giving West Coast one of the two engines it needs for the West Highland "in house".

What's the axle loading of an 8F - could it be considered for the Cambrian services?

 

So, the chase is on to find a suitable steam locomotive for the 'Cambrians' next year?

 

Would one of the Tysley Panniers be suitible? Come to think of it are any locos registered for main line running (not the Esk Valley line) suitible for the Cambrians?

 

Thanks all for the info.

Sounds like progress on all fronts.

Cannot wait to see the Scot paired with "Galatea" ( 45699) on the S & C.

46118

 

The NYMR haven't actually said that they wouldn't release the Standard for main line work. They have stated that they will maintain the equipment currently fitted for main line work and would be prepared to consider any approaches so, you never know, it may be back at Machynlleth next year. I suspect the main stumbling block would be the need to provide support crew taking staff and/or volunteers away from the railway at its busiest time.

 

Is that likely to be the case today ? perahps 48151 might be more suitable than first thought.

Panniers lack the required speed, power rating and range without a water stop.

I wonder with all the speed restrictions on the Cambrian would it be possible to get away with a 50mph loco ?, by the time 76079 was hitting 60 it was usually straight on the brakes for the next PSR.

Still haven't had a good answer as to why NR are so concerned about hammerblow on a bridge with a 5MPH restriction for steam, surely it's neglibible at that speed ?.