Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

With all the rather dismal news on the main line front, it's good to read of something really positive. Well done to all involved and hopefully not too much longer before 35006 is hauling trains, although with the gala only a month away, there will almost inevitably be too many issues to sort out on acomplex engine like an MN to have it ready for service by then.

A bit more Bulleid news in the latest Steam Railway. It includes an article on the restoration of 34039 Boscastle. The rolling chassis is almost complete and the overhaul of both boiler and tender have started. The person in charge of the overhaul is quoted as saying it will be "realisticaly at least tow years before it steams again" and the overhaul is being undertaken to main line standards, although there are no firm plans to run iut on the big railway as yet.

Also, Peter Greenwood of the RSL&GT (i.e., the Hosking empire) has conformed that 35022 Holland-America line will be restored. Apparently either 35022 or 35027 would have been tackled next were it not for the purchase of 60532. I guess that all Bulleid fans will be a bit disappointed that 35022 and 35027 have dropped down the queue (rather like 35009 at Bury), but if one steps back and tries to be more objective, a working A1/A2/A3/A4 lineup is long overdue and it looks like it will finally take place before too long. Whether or not the LNER is your favourite railway, it's a very welcome development. At least one day, albeit not for a few years yet, both "Bournemouth's Best Engine" and the final ACE loco will steam again, which is encouraging given the earlier talk that 35022 might have just been used for spares.

 

This is definitely a good time to a Bulleid fan it seems we are getting getting great news every couple of weeks at the moment.

Its werid to think that 30 years (roughly) it was CanPac returning to steam and todays shes in the condition you took of 06 30 years ago and now P&O is returning to steam.

 

Here is 35006 in earlier times - https://www.flickr.com/photos/bristol-re/5643687006

 

hopefully this year we should see 2 more merchants return to steam for the first time in preservation, 35006 and 35018, of course we will be losing 35028 for overhaul later in the year

 

Great news about 35006 and also saw the news in Steam Railway about 3522.

 

For all we know, recent events may mean that 35018 may have been put on the back-burner for the time being. We won't know until it appears. However, good news about 35022. It makes sense, as it means that with the A2, A4 and 35027 running/under oveerhaul, there will always be at least one 8P available. Presumably the two Bulleids and the A2 will also be fitted with the requisite air brakes. 34027 and 35027 would be a nice photo-op in the same way as 34028 and 35028 was a couple of years ago.

 

Also, its about time we had another Bulleid status check:

Q1
33001: currently being fenced-in as the inspection pit is being re-opened to the public. Hopefully, the fencing is removable!

Light Pacifics
34007: valve-gear re-set; due to retire for boiler/heavy general overhaul next year.
34010: in stasis; no plans for restoration as SLL have more than enough on their plates. However, never say never...
34016: now there are issues with mainline steam, will this get overhauled with any urgency?
34023: still in store with wasted firebox/syphons, but firebox parts being collected for future overhaul.
34027: under test after protracted and comprehensive overhaul.
34028: in store pending overhaul.
34039: under protracted overhaul to 'mainline standard'.
34046: under overhaul.
34051: spruced-up and looking good in the Great Hall of the NRM.
34053: clocking-up the mileage on the SVR.
34058: stored pending restoration on the MHR; subtantial quantity of components have been collected.
34059: boiler lifted and away for attention.
34067: technically still operational, but probably won't see any use until the WCRC fiasco has been sorted out one way or another.
34070: clocking up the miles on the Swanage Railway, around two years left on its ten-year ticket (where have the years gone?).
34072: under overhaul; re-assembly of inside motion underway whilst further work being done to the boiler.
34073: stored at Carnforth- boiler visible on well-wagon. No current plan to return to steam.
34081: in the process of being re-assembled.
34092: clocking-up the miles on the KWVR and other railways.
34101: overhaul seems to have temporarily stalled due to more pressing requirements for the NYMR engineering team or work currently in 'behind the scenes' mode.
34105: under medium-term overhaul on the MHR.

Merchant Navys
35005: dismantled and pending full commencement of overhaul now Lottery grant has been secured. More money needed to match-fund.
35006: approaching completion on the GWSR.
35009: overhaul prospects have slipped somewhat. However, a potential return to mainline steam is not necessarily affected by WCRC's predicament.
35010: static exhibit on the Colne Valley; still requires circa-£50k for a new RH cylinder block (might be cheaper if cast using polystyrene patterns?); may have to move away from the railway if current owner closes it.
35011: centre driving wheel-less and completely off the radar at Sellindge. Restoration to original condition appears to have stalled.
35018: rumours and chatting to WCRC staff suggest it isn't far from steaming. However, if current problems persist, will the current owner finish the job?
35022: there is now a long-term plan to restore to mainline steam not necessarily affected by WCRC's predicament.
35025: although the restoration had made some strides, time since the move from the GCR has not been kind. Suspect restoration stalled.
35027: not necessarily affected by WCRC's predicament.
35028: in its last few months of operation before overhaul. Not affected by WCRC's predicament
35029: still half the engine it ever was...

 

34105 cab has now been put back on the frames of 34105.

 

Its not until you list them like you realize now many Bulleids there are around

 

of the MN's when you look at the number saved it shows you just how much of a debt the movement owes to Dai Woodham

 

Agreed, but I'd say that applies even more so to the rebuilt WC/BBs. Without Dai Woodham, we would still have had 35028 Clan Line, but we would not have a single rebuilt Light Pacific at all.

 

just to say that p&o has been up to around 100psi with just the usual snagging list (fixtures and fittings). We have one month to go before the Cotswold festival of steam (23-25 May) and the current plan is too display p&o in light steam at winchcombe carriage and wagon yard (c&w also open for tours) with cab access on all three days. I'm told it should also be painted and lined with possibly one nameplate attached. (tbc). All subject to insurance steam tests. 34007 and 34092 will run all three days of the gala (two solo trips each and then one combined double header). They then both run on Saturday 30th may with wells running the Sunday 31st as well.
So if you're a bulleid aficionado this is a not to be missed! (Pre book tickets at discounted rates available from gwsr.com )

 

Great news about 35006 Tho from what I hear she hasnt reached 100psi just yet but its all looking good on that front.

I wish I could attend the gala but its my wedding anniversary and my wife would kill me ;-) Tho heres hoping she visits the MHR in 2018 then I can get to see the Merchant I helped overhaul and the Merchant I am a shareholder in working together

 

Taw Valley in steam! and first moves

Here pic on facebook: https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=807313889346315

 

Congratulations to all concerned. She's been away too long!

 

Yes. I understand there were niggling issues with valve settings last week, but it will be good to visit the Valley with two Bulleids in circulation. SKP seemed on good form last weekend.

 

34027 out again today... smoke deflectors now attached.

James

 

Like those quartered buffers!

 

Reminds me of the 'Arrow' in its best years.

 

34027 'Taw Valley' at Hampton Loade earlier this afternoon.

James