6229 Return to steam rumour

So it is. A misspelt pseudonym?

 

Regardless of the precise nuances of the spelling, I'm not sure we have given the friendliest of receptions to a new member of one day's standing - to criticise his credentials and then snigger somewhat at the name?

Tom

 

Seem to remember once it was pronounced Smilie, as in Carol

 

Isnt that just Smelly in a Glaswegian accent ?

 

There's plenty of work - the problem is the Duchess is a big loco and pushes the boundaries of Network Rails varying interpretation of 'gauge'

 

No, that would be "Oor Smullie"

 

Tom as ever the voice of reason and common sense.

 

Can't we get him knighted or something. ?

Perhaps if the Mods change the thread to '... return to steam humour' we can feel less guilty for poking fun...

 

Is this new member a credible source of info? the original statement I read seemed rather convincing

 

Yes - he is a very credible source. He has been involved with the loco for over 35 years and still cares for it. Trust me he knows what is happening (or not in this case).

Peter

PS - he'll be one of those standing in front of the line up in your avatar

 

My information is.............yes, VERY credible.

 

Good to hear that we have a credible source. It would help his credibility if he introduced himself and stated his interest in 6229. It's understandable that people will be sceptical about a statement out of the blue from a previously unknown contributor.

 

Whilst I agree with the above, perhaps the gentleman is not at liberty to reveal his true identity. A shame if that is the case.

 

I think it is more likely that he does not care to get embroiled in the bear pit that can be Nat Pres. It really does not matter to him whether he is believed or not, he was just trying to be helpful in correcting some misplaced speculation,but hey.....we know people do not always like to hear the truth.

Peter

 

I wasn't going to post anything in this thread, but perhaps I should shed a little light on how this all started, so here goes.

The OPs question was in response to the following which was written, as he said, on 6229s Facebook page......

'Just read elsewhere that there are plans in the pipeline for 6229 in the very near future.....possibly an overhaul for a mainline return? Does anyone know anything?'

That was written by myself after reading elsewhere on Facebook that there is, allegedly, some sort of plan for 6229 which will 'kick in' round about Easter time. Reading the original post and subsequent replies to the numerous comments, whoever disclosed this 'plan' gave the impression that this person is......A) very well in at the NRM........B) knowledgable about the condition of 6229, and......C) well informed about the aforementioned 'plan'. even naming the place where 6229 was to be taken.

Now, all this could have been a load of ballcocks, but after about a couple of hours the original post and all the comments and replies were taken down and I mentioned this on 6229s Facebook page thus.......

'Something very mysterious going on....the place where I read this has removed all reference to it. There were comments from lots of people and quite a few from the person who disclosed the 'plan' and who seemed very well informed. Very, very strange.'

So I thought to myself, has this person been written off as a crank and barred? The answer to that is no, the person still posts on that particular page, or has this person inadvertently uncovered something that should have been kept under wraps?

I don't know.

Well, as they say i' these parts 'there's no smoke bout fire', so I dropped an e-mail to a contact who is involved with the place that 6229 was, allegedly, to be sent asking if this was just a rumour. This brought the following response.....

'Appears to be a rumour.
However, the NRM are looking to do a project similar to Flying Scotsman and it may well be the Duchess.
However, it is some time off (even if it is true).
It's wait and see I'm afraid.'

So, there it is, make of it what you will, I'm putting it to bed.....for now!

 

When was Steam Beano's press date again.........? That'll be a headline without doubt.

 

IF they end up doing it it'll be a real ballache as they'd have to remove the casing to get at the boiler & motion etc.

Also can it fit within the current NR loading gauge (that seems to vary on a monthly basis sometimes!!!) Hope it could run streamlined as that's really to a lot of people what makes it so unique. Or maybe NRM are planning to return sumat else to running order.

 

It fitted when she was moved by rail from Tyseley to NRM but that guarantees nothing where NR is concerned these days.