Swanage 80078

Reading SR magazine today. There is an article regarding the possible sale of 80078. Reading the article 80078 was to be handed over to a new owner but the sale has stalled because no one is sure of the value of 80078. I would think there must be a few railways that would consider taking this loco on. The benefits of running an 80xxx tank are well proven in steam preservation. SLL has also asked Swanage Railway to buy 80078 but according to the article all talks came to a dead end.

There is also talk of SLL moving out of Herston works because of the increase in rent which has increased by 150%. SLL are currently looking at new premises according to the article.

 

From what I understand, the reason why talks stalled between SLL and Swanage is cost. The article also however mentions "age old issues regarding its ownership" which could prove more difficult to clarify and resolve than purely cost.

If these can be resolved I agree, a Standard 4 tank is a very useful loco to any line. Let's face it, the MHR did a deal to obtain ownership of 80150 which is basically a rusting hulk but once the guys at Ropley have worked their magic on it will no doubt be a very useful addition to the home fleet.

 

This is incorrect. SLL pay no rent for Herston Works.

What has been asked for is an increase in SLL contributions towards the utility charges.

 

As I understood it, 80078 was originally owned by the Southern Steam Trust, but was sold to a group of railway members under the collective name 'Project 78' during the railways financial crisis. Project 78 then later joined forces with Southern Locomotives Limited, hence the loco now forming part of the SLL stable. Open to correction though, because this is just what I have picked up generally and not through any involvement with the respective bodies.

Clearly with several changes of ownership there is the potential for some sort of restrictive covenant on sale, although again I must say this is not through any specific involvement.

I have read the article, but it just seemed to me to be a lot of talk and woolly statements, without any real 'news' in there. So a loco group is considering options with its loco fleet; it happens all the time.

 

Error

 

I heard there been talks but I wasn't sure of the full story. I hope 80078 doesn't leave at least casue she was the first ex. BR steam engine on the line when the reconstruction started (although it took awhile before she steamed admitily). I sure they resolve the issues some how...

 

First time I've heard an SR article described as the full story...! ;-)

 

As a shareholder with SLL, I think I'm fairly safe (tell me off if I'm wrong, NickT!) in reporting that some common ground has been found between both parties despite this article being 'breaking news' and implying the opposite, although formal talks are still ongoing to hammer out a cast-iron outcome. That's as much as we've been told thus far due to the delicate nature of negotiations and the risk of the railway press hoovering up morsels of information and publishing them out of context.

 

Meetings have taken place recently to find a an agreeable solution for both parties

 

That what I heard too though I also hear that it may be going to another Railway.

rumours rumours

Chris

 

SLL and SR want to keep '78 at Swanage and that is what both parties are working to.
When SLL came into ownership of '78 it was with the understanding that she would stay and remain at a Swanage loco. There are many Swanage members who are shareholders in SLL and also the railway holds many SLL shares too.

Am afraid that rumours are abound on railways so dont believe what you hear.

 

Yes, that's pretty much it. There was a recent meeting of the parties and discussions are in progress to hammer out a new arrangement covering 80078 and all the other issues. However it will probably take several weeks before everything is sorted out.

 

A brief statement has been put on the SLL website, along with other restoration updates and some particularly nice photos of Sir Keith Park taken in 1960 by Derek Cross.

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html

 

Some fine shots of 'SKP', particularly as Ron White regards it as a somewhat elusive member of the class when it came to the number of photographs taken of it in service.

 

i cant understand the logic of wishing to sell 80078 in favour of restoring another pacific , An standard tank is far more usefull than any southern pacific would be to any preserved line , or is it that SLL only want to do the glamour engines that get them the plundits in the papers , why not sell 257 squadron which needs an overhaul ?

 

Because they don't want too....? 34072 is their loco for them to decide what they do with it. It was their original flagship and has served them very well so far, i would be very surprised if they parted with her.

Bare in mind they would still have 80104 if 80078 was sold along with Norman & the 5 pacifics.

I have no idea why you think it's because they are only interested in getting featured in the papers. That is not what SLlt is about.

 

I think the reasoning behind the idea of selling the Standard 2-6-4T rests in the name of the company, Southern Locomotives Ltd., which speaking for myself as a shareholder is primarily about restoring Bulleids, particularly when the company owns a quarter of the preserved Light Pacific fleet. However, the addition of 'Norman' and the Standards to the fleet provide welcome extra 'breadwinning' capacity, and keeps the company's profile going when the Bulleids are out of service.

Note: These views are my own and do not reflect the company policy of Southern Locomotives Ltd.

 

I think 34072 is either under going an overhaul or will do when 34053 returns this year. Also Keiran said that its a flagship loco to SLL and I'd say it was also a flagship for the Swanage Railway. I don't think it has anything to do with glamour locos or getting in the papers/press etc. If they only wanted glamour locos they would still own 35022 and 35027.

All that is however based on my own opinion.

 

34105 Swanage belongs to The Light Pacific Group and is currently under restoration HANDS OFF. This must be a bit of a thorn in the side of Swanage railway not owning 34105 Swanage.


I see that 88104 made a test run on Saturday. One light engine trip and then she pulled a three coach train (ecs)