30120

So the posters don't always tell the truth then? The sun dosn't always come soonest in the south?!

 

Probably find that what southerners class as a miserable, blustery day is the height of summer in Yorkshire...

 

When the ivatts first came to replace the humble J21 on the stainmore route, once Darlington had fitted nice tapered chimneys to them the local crews loved them. Far better than the later standards some said.

 

They seem to go just as well with the (IMHO better looking) parallel sort. 41298, 41312 and 41313 all have this variety, the I.O.W. duo for loading gauge reasons.

PH

 

Rumours about her terminal illness were somewhat overstated methinks

 

I'm glad to see the old girl back in steam and hope the repairs done will enable her to see out its boiler certificate without further problems.

 

Beautiful loco. Seen her in steam twice, at the Mid Hants in 1986 and at The Swanage too.

 

before the T3 leaves, are there any plans for a photo opertunity alongside the T9, either staged at Corfe ,or on the line to raise funds for the T3's restoration ?

 

The T3 has left the building. Now on its way or possibly even at the Flour Mill by now.

 

It seems to me that the NRM apply policy in whatever way is expedient to them. As has been said above, if they are concerned about historical knowledge regarding the construction and design of these locos, then what can possibly be wrong with renewal of components, and the preservation of the old part - particularly if funds are made available from whatever source? The, supposedly, original worn out parts can simply be displayed as artefacts telling the story of design and development. Of course the way things are, the NRM would probably not be inclined to set up such component displays - too technical for the short attention span generation. If funds are available, there can be no justification for not overhauling and renewal as required.

 

Swanage railway Facebook page states that 30120 is now fully repaired, with a return to service at the winter warm up.

Also some interesting comments saying it's at Swanage for the foreseeable future, and they are in discussions with the NRM regarding it's long term home.

 

What was the repair that needed to be carried out?

 

If I remember correctly, its thinning of the valve chest wall due to acid erosion from ash in the smokebox, there have been previous repairs.

 

would the NRM countenance the casting of a new casting ? i'm assuming the cylinder and valves are a common casting and not separate ?

 

Their normal policy would be not to lose originality by replacing major parts like that. It's something that would have to be considered if it ever becomes beyond repair.

Let's just enjoy the fact that it's been successfully repaired and returned to service, and wait for news on whether it will become a permanent Swanage resident.

 

Thought you might like to see this photo of 30120 that was taken at Eastleigh on September 29th, 1958. Scanned from a contact print off a 2-1/4" x 3-1/4" negative. Did I really take it over 59 years ago?

 

You thought correctly, all photos of 30120 and her T9 sisters looking that good are welcome as far as I'm concerned.

Looking very clean with white steam and vacuum hoses. Can you remember if it was on some sort of special duty?

 

Doubtful, the V2 is a case in point, monoblock life expired.

 

Afraid not, although I do have a vague recollection of it working a 'special' out of Waterloo somewhere about that time. Anyone know more?

 

Looks like it was October 4th 1958 with the RTCS tour 'The Sapper' with 30120 and WD 2-8-0 WD400

See: https://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/50s/581004rc.html