Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway General Discussion

Thank you for the speedy response. Have you managed to increase the steam chest volume on the new cylinder design?
The "few other mods" could cover a wide range of improvements. Ports type piston heads maybe. Were the steam pipes too small?
What level of improvement have you estimated compared with River Esk as it was prior to the fire interrupted overhaul?

 

The steam chest are the same. Piston heads are bronze with six rings along with exhaust lap. They are ring controlled now with sharp inlet, soft exhaust, large steam volume between heads. pearlite rings and liners, edges are all radiused for better steam flow. As much as posible of the passages espeshaly the exhaust is all polished through out with gradual transitions. De Laval nozzles, 4 right angle bends taken out of the exhaust. Oil to the valve rings direct rather than into the steam pipe. The steam pipes where badly shaped and have restrictions there volume will now be greater, an off set on the steam chest volume. Less joints in the steam pipes. New shifting valve. New positive sealed drain cocks, new piston heads and rings, everything bar the rear piston covers and the front valve covers are new right through to the cylinder bolt is new or replaced.

Every piece of brass is new except for the name and makers plates. The main axel boxes are new but they where made previously to me taking on the loco.

This is typical of the level of work that applies to the whole locomotive, hence the time factors.

Estimated overal improvement on all aspects is 30%

 

Sounds about right. Attention to a series of modest details is well proven to be highly beneficial. Between ring lubrication too. Look forward to the full write up.

 

Thanks for the comprehensive update Nigel. I'd imagine after 2 1/2 years solid, you're seeing disembodied parts of Esk in your sleep!

I followed the Bure Valley's mods to their No.9 with interest, but have to admit I was unaware of the full extent of the work you're doing.

Given the loco started it's life with some (then) advanced design features, it's absolutely appropriate that Esk re-establishes it's record of incorporating latest best ideas. I'll steer clear of a well known tender subject from the loco's earlier incarnation, but always thought the original Lentz valve gear was a bold innovation, even if well in advance of the metallurgy of nine decades ago (so the switch to Walschaerts was a sensible choice at the time), but the list you've kindly provided incorporates many now well proven improvements, and I, for one, greatly look forward to seeing how the rejuvenated loco performs.

So, who's going to be first to comment on Esk hijacking Whillan Beck's thread? There'll be a lot of discussion when Ratty's old stalwart hits the rails again. Howzat for a prophesy?

 

Here are photos of Whillan Beck at the DRS open day at Kingmoor today during its delivery move to Ravenglass:

https://andrewstransport.smugmug.co...ways/Ravenglass-Eskdale-Railway-Whillan-Beck/

Cheers

Andrew N

 

Looks as though there is still work to be done, where will this happen and what time scale?

 

We did, and the General Enquiries informed us the guests were being restricted to the yard shuttles except the Atlantics. Even on the day we were told the only guest locos venturing out on public services was Count Louis. So would hope with the attraction of 2x guest locos, details will be provided of what is working what this time round.

 

If and when I hear further information I will keep you posted.

 

Whillan Beck meets Esk

 

I'd echo this. I'm interested in this event but I want to know what the visiting locos are doing before committing to booking accommodation etc. The more details you provide the more likely it is people will attend.

 

Some further detail regarding Oktoberfest was included in the recent RERPS Journal and is also included here...

https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/events/event.php?id=121

 

Bizarrely within minutes of you posting that all the info was taken down.

I know quite a few people were looking forward to it so I hope it hasn't been cancelled.

Tim

 

Postponed till 2018, more details on RER Facebook page.

 

Oh well....Best laid plans of mice...... Here's hoping for a successful launch for 'Whillan Beck' and that 'Esk' will be ready to play again when the rescheduled event happens. It'd be great for La'al Ratty to enjoy the luxury of a season with sufficient home fleet locos.... it's been a while!

 

I know regardless of the statements in general about October fest that even though we are making good progress on Esk she would not be ready for the dates in October. It's is better that the event is rescheduled.

 

Some photographs of the repaint starting to show up on Facebook...

https://www.facebook.com/trainfromspain/photos/pcb.2115412045151280/2115399448485873/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/trainfroms...860325739793/2115380288487789/?type=3&theater

Plus the pattern for her name plate

https://www.facebook.com/trainfroms...860325739793/2118124764880008/?type=3&theater

 

Does anyone know how Whillan Beck is getting on as there hasn’t been anything on the Facebook for nearly a month

 

Impatient you!

Just had a shuftie (after a couple of months). Loving the colour and hope the modern paint wears better than some of the blues I've seen over the years. I'm keeping an eye out for progress on "River Esk" as well. If all goes to plan, La'al Ratty won't know what to do with all those working locos next year .... which will make a welcome change for the folks at Ravenglass!

 

Esk 21/10/2017

 

Need to come and have another smooch around the place (will have to be planned around other trips)
I think those images of Esk are really loverlly !!! @Nigel Day Can't like them enough ...