13065/42765 'Crab'

13065 out again at the ELR today. Apologies for another Irwell Vale shot.......

 

The Crab starts earning its corn 9 August 2014

The East Lancashire Railway's newly restored flagship made its first runs in May this year, but went back into the shops for the finishing touches. Three weeks ago the LMS Hughes-Fowler 2-6-0 Crab No 13065 started in revenue earning service five days a week, and today I took a ride behind her. She is sounding strong and sweet, and her finish is superb. The dome and cylinder covers are in place, as is the LMS crest, and the yellow lining in all sorts of places provides the final flourish. It was certainly turning many heads on the well-loaded train.

20 photos are at http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p642483407

See also Crimson Crab on the ELR 21 May 2014 at http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p491346943

Peter at the end of a fine summer day in Manchester
http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com

 

It really is a magnificent machine. Pictures at http://steammemories.blogspot.co.uk/

 

Took a ride behind her today, she sure is a solid machine - well done to the guys at ELR for a job well done

 

Yes

Yes it's been great to see her back in steam this year. I have taken lots of Photographs of her along the line and post em on the blog.

 

I cant wait to see this one on the LMS Set at the SVR they have a strange yet powerful look these Crabs.

 

They do indeed, those large cylinders give the sense of strength and power. Thank goodness there was one restorable to steam. It will be interesting to see what the outcome of the Binbrook engine will be.

 

Fingers crossed on that one Im hoping for a happy ending. Best analogy I've heard is 'they look like a big bloody prop forward, bloody ugly but you'd want one of them buggers to help get you out the S**t '

 

You'll have to have a lot of interest as there's not much to see.
wheels impounded by one set of interests, frame stored elsewhere, boiler scrapped, tender is scrap and thats well.. just about it.

At this point there's probably more original parts on the original rocket than this one, and 35029 has a better chance of steaming.

from what I understand 42700 is a compilation of knackered worn out bits, so there's only 1 crab to see for many many more years. (maybe they could arrange a tender exchange with 13000.. so there's a chance to see a different numbered crab in steam )

 

Well I don't doubt your right there. I wonder if there is enough to make a static, the tender was pretty much a std fowler. Or if push comes to shuv there is a pool of spare bits and pieces. I think the second option is the only reality. However we did at one time think that of GALATEA.

 

Some pictures of the Crab from yesterday from me.

 

They look truly excellent and the more we spread the good news the more others will visit and hopefully contribute one way or the other. I have taken lots of pictures and most can be seen on my blog but I shall post some on here too if I can find some time to do so.

 

Meanwhile, here's a few to be going on with. Taken on 29th Nov, 7th & 13th Dec. (Wherever it stood out like a sore thumb, the solitary 'blue & grey' in the set has been "sympathetically adjusted".) Enjoy!

 

Some very nice pictures there..

 

Excellent, the last one is particularly atmospheric.

 

Just by word of explanation, the blue/grey coach is a designated 'disabled' coach, (C in both rakes) in that the toilets have been removed for storage of wheelchairs/recess area for Santa and entourage whilst the end bay tables are easily removed for easier access to seats for those of limited mobility.

 

I like that last one very Giffordesque.