35018 British India Line

I believe the loco needs to display a number to comply with the rules and this has to be given on TOPS.

 

The BR Early Crest was quite large on 35005 when it was in Express Blue as well . I'm quite liking 35018 in black as I did with 35005 in Blue.


What was the reasoning behind the early crest being so small on the early rebuilt MN's and which are eligible to carry it (I know 35018 and 35022 do but not sure which of the other preserved ones can)?

 

The following received the early crest on rebuilding 35010/13/14/18/20/22/23/25/26. The smaller crest was normally used on smaller locos and tank engines so I don't know why 35018 got it but so did 35010/23/26, the others may also be the same but I haven't seen photographic evidence. For the record only one unrebuilt MN got the later crest, 35028

 

Thought it was common practice to put the TOPS info on the inside of the cab roof to get round that ?.

 

It's strange. I used to be a bit of a stickler for authentic liveries, but have mellowed over the years. (I think it was 35005 in blue that made me change my mind).
I like 35018 in black (lined might be even better).

But the BR crest facing backwards is really annoying me........

Well done to all those involved in the restoration and custodianship of BIL since rescue from Barry.

 

AIUI, a number or form of identification has to be displayed externally on both sides . It does not have to be the TOPS no. but this identifier must be reported on the paperwork lodged with NR. This is so people lineside/whatever can identify a loco if necessary. Thus, if a loco is carrying a false identity (such as B1 61264 did a couple of years ago) the false identity has to be reported. Happy to be told I'm wrong, though.

 

Looking at the photos that have been published, the loco carried a number on both sides of the cab on its second test run. However, it looks to have only had a chalked number on the smokebox on its first test run last week - definitely no number on the fireman's side of the cab on that run. (In a five minute trawl through the LE moves thread, I haven't seen a clear view to see if it had a number on the driver's side, but it clearly wasn't numbered on the fireman's side).

Tom

 

It's hard to imagine that this will be its final guise. To me, the use of Bodmin's nameplates are a bit of a giveaway. Whatever number and livery BIL eventually wears, it WON'T be carrying another loco's nameplates, that's for sure.

 

I realise that in the greater scheme of things this question is of little importance compared to crests and TOPS numbers but was the test run successful?

 

When my local steamer came through town and stopped to take a drink a few weeks ago, I noticed they had retro fitted LEDs into the original headlamp housings - I'm guessing the regulations now require upgraded lighting. Is itthings happening in the

No, no ,no. The livery is far more important! Black is the new black...

Jokes aside, amazing job done. Powerful looking machine.

 

I don't expect we will know until we see her out on the loaded test, if not Iwould imagine we will see another one or two lightly loaded trips to Hellifield and back, nice to see and hear the brisk acceleration away from Giggleswick, with a loud and very even sounding Chufferty chufferty.

 

Not really.... https://www.gov.uk/raib-reports/locomotive-failure-near-winchfield

 

Pretty sure that's how it works. Some units display TOPS info. on the inside of the cab as well because they come as two coaches or more. Steam has the tops code inside the cab normally as well - but when underway a number has to be displayed to identify the engine.

I think a DRS class 37 had to be stopped in transit, because they took all the decals and numbers off when it was sold and numbers had to be reapplied to get it to its new owner.

 

I was wondering the same. Given that the engine seems to be being stopped mid journey and inspected. Are they checking for something that was fixed and now is fine, or does more work need to be done.

 

Don't you know a good livery is worth extra horsepower ?, Never heard of go faster stripes ?

 

and speed whiskers....

 

I did hear thta one of the bearings was running a bit warm but that is one of the reasons for doing these running in tests

 

Cycling lion always faces forwards on steam locomotives. Always faces left on diesels because they can run in either direction.

 

It was facing forwards. The engine went backwards first!

 

I understand. It could happen. Thanks for the link.