Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

Its the only locomotive on the mainline I would go out of my way to ride behind if its on an interesting route, which was why I did the 14 February trip to York.

There's probably nothing wrong with 34067 that a few months' respite and a damn good comb-through things like the reverser seals wouldn't cure- probably easier said than done, though. Equally, reliability has also been an issue raised by people in relation to 44932 (which is currently conspicuous by its absence) and 46115 in recent times. However, this is not necessarily a WCRC thing, as even the likes of 46233 (driving wheel bearings and tender axlebox) and 60007 (injectors and middle-engine) have been laid-low in their turn, but when all is said and done, can they boast the mileage 34067 puts in?

Going back to 34067, it has been used pretty intensively since bursting onto the scene in 2003, and its seemingly high rate of attrition suggests that it needs some company of equal power and route availability to spread the load and reduce wear and tear. We would do well to remember that this locomotive has got people out of many scrapes, but one thing can be certain; life is never dull with this machine.

 

73096 and/or 34016 would be ideal stable-mates, but I sincerely hope their overhauls won't be rushed, just to get them into service ASAP. If they have the same availability record as 35028, 45407 & 44871, they'll never be short of work.

 

No engine is cursed, that’s just mumbo jumbo, there can be any number of things that can effect an engines performance, sensible loads, ensuring the engine is actually in a fit condition to do the work expected of it, much of Tangmeres failings are not down to the engine but human error i would say, the Wooton Bassett case, the rod coming off, all these happened because either something was not assembled correctly, or changed from designed, or metal fatigue, or human failings , you cant blame an inanimate object

 

Great footage, it's a real shame that it's luck has been pretty bad lately, as despite everything I still like the engine and think of it to be one of best performing locomotives out there.

Couldn't agree more, I certainly don't believe in curses or blame the engine for it's failings either, I was merely stating what I thought others might be thinking.

Certainly I've always found infuriating whenever someone brings up the supposed Flying Scotsman curse, with folks stating it brings financial ruin wherever it goes, that's definitely mumbo jumbo too.

 

I feel the same way about 44932, 46115 and 60007. All of them have had rough times during there last tickets in which they have been out of action for prolonged periods of time. Especially Sir Nigel Gresley. Not to say that Tangmere hasn't had many trips up to Carnforth for repairs.

 

At a guess, I'd say 75 per cent of 34067's maintenance is done at Southall. It only seems to be sent to Carnforth in the aftermath of a serious failure and running repairs have been made, or when it needs a heavy overhaul. Even then, it usually steams its own merry way up with an ECS. As regards the suggestion that one shouldn't blame an inanimate object or suggest its cursed, I concur, and I once again refer to Sir Herbert Walker in 1927: '...accidents don't happen by accident'. In engineering, there's always the human element.

 

41 days after Clan Lines last move today we have another a Merchant Navy moving under her own power. Congratulations to the 35006 team!!!

 

CLAN LINE: CREWE OVERHAUL - UPDATE NO.222 July 2015
http://clan-line.org.uk/news/crewe-overhaul-update-no2

 

Just incase anyone hasn't seen these from Facebook - 35006 moving about today - wish I had seen it!

 

and a video here

 

Fantastic news - any problems to note? Wish I was there, though I'll have plenty of time to enjoy the sight. Can't wait for loaded test runs, if it's convenient I'll have to blag a ride; check it doesn't chip the paint or something, that should be excuse enough...

 

Apparently it's only 2 cylinder at the moment - white metal bearing problem with the middle engine but that can't be too hard to fix

 

I know I've posted this before but:


It was early March 1983 when I took this photo. Strange isn't it how, 32 years later, 35006 now looks almost brand new and I don't! Toddington car park has also improved it would seem.
I look forward to visiting the GWSR soon.

It's a bit of a long game, this steam loco stuff, but its good, isn't it!

 

I'm glad you said that, because otherwise I'd have been concerned at her sounding almost as offbeat in the video as Wadebridge last year (progressive jazz rhythms in locomotive form).

Seriously, a fantastic achievement by her owning group; she looks well worth all the years of waiting for "next year, probably."

 

Thank you for this. Good that someone was on hand to record this welcome piece of news. Also some pictures on the GWSR loco department blog:- http://gwsrsteamloco.blogspot.co.uk/ (You need to scroll down to find the relevant section)
Hopefully the start of better things for the MNs. 35018 will be back as well before too long, or so we are led to believe. 35028's overhaul is off to a good start and 35005's is progressing. Shame 35006 didn't make it before I moved away from Gloucestershire, but now I'll have a good reason to pop back for a visit before too long.

 

Credit to the 35006 society who run her with 2 cylinders for her first move, some people have been complaining about it on Facebook but I think they showed their loyalty. They could have waited for all 3 con rods to be installed at a later date for the first run but instead they done it with 2 so they could do at the annual 35006 shareholder meetings so the people who paid for it could see history being made.

 

Great news about 35006. For some reason though when I first heard about her I instantly thought of the audio from this film clip!:


Well done to all concerned. She looks very nice indeed.

 

Super stuff. I never tire of watching and listening to that assault on Hemerdon.

 

Great news about 35006, well done to all involved in restoring the loco back to working order.

 

Anyone have any updates on current position with 34067 - I was hoping she might be the replacement for 6023 on 23/8/15 but it's not looking good at the moment although the RYTC are saying she will be on the train. Had some wonderful runs with 34067 but every time it has been one going to Wales something has gone wrong!