Sir Frederick Pile

Am I going mad? Wasn't there a thread about this engine?

 

In answer to my question, it seems that the answer is yes and no! There is a thread - but it is on"The Works".

Basically, there seems to be a rumour that it is to move to the Mid Hants, though why on earth they would want another Bulleid is a bit of a mystery to me! (Unless, as 2014 approaches, they're not very confident that "Bodmin" will be there after that date, but let's not go there).

 

It would be nice to see it come to the Bluebell and double-head with 34059 pulling the excellent rake of Bulleid carriages plus some Mk1's.

 

With respect, don't you say that about just about every Bulleid...?

;-)

 

Well maybe yes you've caught me out there . It's mainly down to the fact that the only place at the moment you can see a Bulleid loco matched with a rake of Bulleid carriages is on the Bluebell.

 

Glad you took it in the spirit it was intended! Anyhow, 34058 or 34059 are only de-tuned Bulleid's, what you want is a proper one...

 

i had heard that willy bath has designs on it and wants it to join his bullield production factory at swanage , which means that 257 sdn willl most likily not get overhauled, i wonder how much of her is now on Manston anyway ?
Sir Frederick Pile when purchased from barry was thought to be mid hants bound, so it will be very strange if she does end up there , i would expect that the JB engines will remain MHR based, mostly because , where else could they all go? 35018, hasnt been touched, the s160 is still in bits, so Portland is very unlikily ,i am quetly confident that behind the scenes something will get sorted out, along the lines of 34105 and 76017 the loan could always get renewed , after all the management of the MHR are not the same from those sad days

 

Agreed, but I was thinking more of operational ones.

 

257 Squadron should get overhauled as SLL have just re-launched the share campaign for 34072 on the website with a new print by Richard Green. As far as I am aware, each locomotive has its own account for donations and earnings. That said, there will come a rainy day when they've restored all five Bulleids and will be looking for a new challenge. That leaves just 34058 and 34073 to chose from if they were to purchase locomotives with relatively little restoration done to them.

 

Martin:

In my opinion I cannot see Bodmin staying after 2014.

Regards
Chris

 

As for me, I hope it is 34073 that they purchase (if they purchase either) as Sir Fred has actually got a restoration group which is (slowly) restoring it. (although funds are thin at the moment) 34073 will be further canibalised before long like it was for some repairs to Tangmere's valve gear. Her rust is quite pronounced now and has recived only a tiny bit of cosmetic restoration and only to her front end

 

From what i have gathered from the MHR, they are preparing for all the Bunch locos leaving, ie collecting replacement locos. They do not expect them to stay, and with whats happened, it would be a very awkward situation if they were to stay. Shame the railways 'history' will disappear. A standard 4 of black 5 doesnt have the charm of a southern mogul.

 

Ah but at least one is not held to ransom by a man who allegedly said that unless I get my own way I shall withdraw my Loco,s from service until I do, his Loco,s being the core fleet.
As martin Butler has pointed out, an agreement has been made with the owners of "Swanage" and 76017 which to my way of thinking this man has no allies left at the Mid-Hants.

I am almost certain that this man will take his Loco,s away in 2014 though I understand that on paper at least he no longer owns them.

We shall see.

Regards
Chris

 

Sorry if this opens old wounds and covers old ground, but why is there dispute over whether his locos will stay after 2014? I.e. how did this row start?

 

Lets not go there.

Its all history and been raked over many times in the past.

All i will say is that the 15 year loco agreement signed by Mr B in 1999 ends in 2014 and as i see it, it is unlikely but not impossible that the locos covered by the agreement wil stay at the MHR.

 

Re: Sir Frederick Pile - MHR to complete Restoration

You really shouldn't post mess room gossip and tittle-tattle on a public forum.