27007

Regarding MHR current diesels, what's the score with the 27, has the latest restoration attempt stalled? I only ask as the project leader posted a strange cryptic message on Facebook. Indicating that things were not good, but declined to elaborate.

 

Can't say for sure what's happening.I heard some time ago the project leader was looking for volunteers to help. Maybe this is why the restoration is stalling.

 

There is also a thread on the WNXX forum about it, in which the current owner appears to shed a little more light.

 

A figure f £100k is quoted to restore it to running condition. Small beer for a steam loco overhaul but is the money available for a class 27?

 

Going for rebuilding NBL Type 2 D6332

 

The thread on WNXX has now seen the owner throw his toys out of his pram, due to a few people asking questions about his hastily-arranged crowdfunded appeal for £100k.

The thread has, rather predictably, been locked.

 

If there was proper plans out there I might donate but what is it raising money for ? a 27 or a nbl type 2,
Rather a 27 tbh

 

Perhaps this thread should follow suit until/unless the current owner decides to re-start restoration.

 

Gents my apologies by being drawn in by the farce, words like fraud were being bandied about, am afraid I have a temper like everyone else, and feel most embarrassed by being drawn in. It was really obvious it was doomed to failure, and with such hostility, the plug was pulled. This loco has been long discussed as to its future, with several 27 owners, and the £100000 was a quote from a metal shop simply for a body. This would be a good start, but a lot of the other costs were in efforts. It really needed to happen now or not at all, it is needing to leave the MHR. On a positive note the PU will be loaned/sold to a needy cause, the roof will be given to a 27 owner who needs a new roof and whats left of the cab frames and their roofs will also be preserved. If the generator is not needed(this is retained until a better alternative is sourced) then again a 27 group can have it. The boiler may also see further use in a 27.Lots is being said but it is beyond economic repair. If the body/PU is removed, then it can be weatherproofed for the future.
If there is anymore to ask, please pm me with a name, as I am not going to comment further.
Originally it was purchased to put in the MAN engine from NBL Type 2 D6332, a unique and important survivor, and this rather sad episode has made up the mind. A good BRCW Type 2 will cost around £30000 and there are plenty of derelict ones for scrap value. It is no different to the GWR newbuilds, in fact quite similar. The 27 bogies are of similar design, though 18" longer. The electric Type 2 cabs were of common layout. A structural engineering assessment will see if the empty 6' boiler compartment can be removed to shorten it to the Western Region version length is feasible, or whether it remains at the Scottish Region length. It is a feasible, practical project with all parts sourced.
This next year am hoping to progress matters substantially
It is seperate to the Project22, who are hoping to build from new a newbuild version with authentic hydraulic drive. This is an altogether more difficult and time consuming proposition, and I wish them well, and I have had a good chat with their project manager, to see what we have in common, or more.
D6332 should fill an important gap in preservation, well known for closing chapters of Beeching branchlines, as well as occassional glory on double headed Cornish Riviera Expresses, and frequent pilots to Western Region 4-6-0 over the Devon Banks. Swindon ironed out some of the engine problems, and the MAN engine is a lost sound (this one works) and ran in the NBL Big Warships, the Class 43 Warships, Blue Pullmans, D63s and the similar appearing Scottish NBL Type 2.
A not for profit(CIC) company is formed.
It is hoped(!) the preservation world, or at least some of it, can support the effort.