6023

That's clear now.

Thanks both.

Dave

 

This was posted on the Didcot Facebook page 1 hour ago:
"What was this string of locomotives doing yesterday? It's all to do with weighing 6023 'King Edward II' in the locomotive works. After setting the buffer heights and preliminary axle weighing, 6023 (the blue one at the far end) had to be pulled out for a brief appearance in the winter sunshine to settle the springs down. The only complication was the locos inside the engine shed between the diesel shunter 08 604 and 6023 in the loco works. They all had to be pulled out as well!

Kevin Dare, Locomotive Manager, reports:

"There's still a few more weekends' work to do to get the weights right on 6023 and the next session will be in two Saturdays time (30 January). Those who want to see the King out on the main line ASAP are more than welcome to come and help. The only requirements are the willingness to get dirty, crouch in a pit and help pull on some rather big spanners!! And to be a member of the Great Western Society."

Folks, please help them!!!!
Kind regards
Jos Koopmans in the Netherlands

 

Next Saturday, the 30th, the King needs YOU!

Kind regards
Jos Koopmans

 

For the work on Saturday January 30th:
https://www.facebook.com/Didcot-Railway-Centre-161421647218065/
Next Saturday is also next working day!
Kind regards
Jos Koopmans

 

Recent update:
http://www.6023.co.uk/news/news.htm

 

I wonder if a VAB person has to be present through all of this..

 

From Didcot's facebook page today:
"At last we can report that the loco weights are now set and we are more than half way through sorting the tender.

The photo shows 6023 being turned on Didcot's turntable by the weighing gang just after lunchtime. This was to allow a final check of the loco's weights and for weighing of the tender to be started. The loco had to be the other way around for that to happen as there is not enough room in the loco works for the tender to be pushed onto the weighing section with the engine leading."

 

Reading the Didcot facebook page, people are still questioning and criticising the choice of the BR blue livery. It doesn't make sense to me. When 6023 goes main line, hopefully soon, she will look absolutely stunning - and authentic. She will create far more interest on the main line in immaculate BR blue than if she was in GWR 1947 green.
6000 and 6024 will stay green, 6023 should stay blue.
All we've ever seen in preservation is GWR four-cylinder 4-6-0s in GWR or BR Brunswick green. Here is a livery that is completely different and as stated earlier, authentic.
Long live the blue King!

 

Congratulations to everyone involved. One step closer! Couple of questions as I'm renewing my membership at the moment.

Is the mainline steam group where you donate still running? I know the link is still there on the society's website, I'd like to keep supporting her as I did during her restoration.

Lastly, a cheeky question as I remember reading this in the echo, are any discussions afoot on which preserved line she might attend for running in this new draughting arrangements?

 

The blue is a stunning and unusual livery.

 

I agree that I love the blue, and it will look great with blood-and-custard coaches on the main line (assuming she gets paired with a suitable set of coaches...let's hope so!).

However I'd also love to see her in GWR green with authentic coaches at, say, the SVR. Variety is the spice of life

 

when is 6023 due to be back on main line please

 

Hello,
6023 looks great in blue.

GWS Life Member.


Nick

 

Tbf GWR chocolate and cream would be authentic as well, I'm sure I've seen a picture of a blue King with the first coach in chocolate and cream. Not everything was repainted overnight

 

If people want a fully lined engine, wait for 4079 and she'll fill the void for persons criticising. IMHO she should stay in blue, even after her ticket expires, she looks stunning.

Last time I saw the societies support coach it was in a new coat of chocolate and cream, so over the coming months we can all see her paired with it.

 

I totally agree. Of course she should stay blue. 6023 is still a "new" loco, she's hardly seen any use. A few steamings at Didcot, short spells on the Great Central and the Mid Norfolk and that's it. Many people will want to travel behind and see this loco on the main line - in blue. If the loco was repainted in GW green and then went main line, it would be a huge missed opportunity.

 

What's this, a livery consensus?!?!?
Mods, please!

 

No "Mods" intervention required, but aside from the livery it will be fascinating to hear reports of the progress with testing the new blastpipe arrangement, which must be due soon. Has the loco actually been steamed since the modification? I haven't read any reports.

 

Only a consensus of the noisy. It would make me happy to see the old lady get her proper clothing. I'd much rather see the whole shed in GWR livery.