Nunney Castle

i think you have to go back to the BR test reports of the 1950s and go back to primary source info.

many of these tests compare bedwas (not the best south wales steam coal) with blidworth coal etc.

the btu of the coal is only one factor. south wales steam coal obviously has a higher btu than other coals. see Holcroft in 'Locomotive Adventure' on the use of the kent coalfield coal on the SECR locos, the fact that Rugby couldnt test the SR MN's to the limit of steaming in the BR tests, and the ways in which steaming rates were dramatically improved on some locos by alterations to ashpan dampers and draughting. the self cleaning grids fitted to the single chimney 'Castles' affected their performance as much as poor coal which wasnt supposed to be supplied to express passenger locos on the GWR. note also how too good a coal caused the failure of Pendennis Castle in May 1964 when an ill informed manager supplied anthracite for the loco's attempt at the 60's anniversary of City of Truro's 100mph run. note also how the same Castle loco performed very well on yorkshire coal in the 1925 exchanges.

cheers,
julian

 

Drove past Barrow Road earlier and saw some people working on Nunney, thought I saw some smoke coming out the chimney too although it was a very quick look so I may be mistaken. Any idea what's happening, or is this just prep for moving to Crewe?

 

Somebody posted in the Steam Trains in the UK facebook group yesterday, 0810 tomorrow she is off from TM.

 

Is this just a slow move back to base or have they discovered the boiler issues are not as bad as thought?

 

At Pontypool Rd this morning.

 

The guys from LNWRH have done sufficient work on the firebox for the loco to given permission for a "one journey only" move to Crewe.

 

Oh well, interesting that this was cheaper than a road move or a rods off.

Sad to see her go though.

 

My video of this somewhat sad day in 5029's life.

 

Thanks for sharing, nice to see her having a final fling.

 

No problem, I agree with you it was sad to see her go by, but I guess at least we got this opportunity today most of the time it's just 'she is out of service' and that's it.

 

Indeed, I hope she ends up on display somewhere undercover until her next time comes. We are a little thin on Castles at the moment but hopefully in the next 12 months we will have at least another out doing what they do best! I cannot wait until the opportunity arises to compare 5043 and 7029.

 

What's chalked on the smokebox door ?, can make out Swindon or bust on one side but can't read the other.

Sad day as Edgcumbe is left to fly the Swindon 4 cylinder flag solo until reinforcements in 7029, 6023 and 4079 arrive.

 

Top left read 'Last Run?'. 'LNWR Crewe' on the right hand side.

4079 is single chimney right?

 

Yep, single chimney two row - same as Nunney - and from all reports a bit of a flyer!

 

JBTEvans.
Thanks for sharing that video. Putting in a great performance right to the end. Sad to see her go but at least it wasn't on the back of a lorry!

 

A sad, sad day for GWR enthusisats. But before long we'll have 7029 in service and the King.

Farewell to Nunney on the mainline, but not goodbye.

 

5043 & 7029 are the only doubles, though 7027 has a bit more superheating than a standard single.

 

Am I being simple here? I assumed that if the boiler was in bad shape it would just be 'no more steaming until it's fixed'. Could that mean it's not as bad as thought?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk