MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Looking on the MHR web site there is an update on the overhaul of 30506.

http://preservation.watercressline.co.uk/blog/entry/urie-loco-society-june-2017

 

Latest addition to the wagon group fleet ( not my photo) not the wagon but the load.

 

It left the MHR on a low loader yesteday minus power unit. Named "27015 University of Wibblefroth" for some reason, anyone know why?

 

No, it sported the "Wibblefroth" sticker during its short stay back in the headshunt at Alresford. The power unit was lifted out by crane in Ropley yard in the first week of this month. I thought perhaps a Terry Pratchett reference, but I'm not familiar with the late Mr P's canon.

 

I presume 'wibble' and 'froth' will be used because these are modern traction terms for rumour, grumbling and complaining - 'paint froth' is a common phrase on wnxx!

Steven

 

The "paint froth" makes sense as the loco is sporting patches of two liveries plus a lot of rust!

 

27015 is apparently a reference to 45015 which has become the benchmark of what un-restorable really looks like and as such, is deemed as the non mentionable on several forums.

Was hoping to get up to Alresford for one last reunion with the old girl but work yesterday prevented it and alas she is now off to pastures new where she will be restored once again to a living, breathing class 27.

 

You didn't mean it that way, did you?

 

I certainly did. Have great memories of riding over the Alps behind both baby Sulzers (25 & 27) and wish the new owners all the best in restoring her.

 

Steam ?

 

I believe that you are spot on

 

More interestingly for the railway, whilst 27007 was departing from Alresford, 47579 was receiving its exhausters at Ropley. The re-instatement of vacuum braking was part of the agreement for loco coming to the railway, and yesterday a huge milestone was passed when we installed the exhausters and the remaining pipework. Mechanically the system is now complete and our attention turns to the issue of wiring everything back in.....watch this space and keep fingers and toes crossed all goes well please.

 

Great news, look forward to seeing 47579 storming up Medstead bank from Ropley. I see the first running day is penned in for May. We now have a good selection of diesel locos to help out when required.

Only a few weeks now until the start of another running session. Any news on the other visiting loco for the Spring gala?

 

The 15xx from the SVR apparently
41312 returns from its seaside hols at the weekend too

 

Does anyone know what the next loco to enter overhaul will be once 506 returns, 35005 is being done off site, 34105 i should imagine will follow in another year or so,
I'm assuming that 75078 will be on the last legs of its own overhaul by then, so 850, or 73096?

 

Cheers Steve

 

75079 even. At some stage in the next few years I would like to think that preliminary restoration work will start on 34058 and 80150 as well.

 

I think the MHR have been discussing with the NRM over 850 so would assume that would be next with maybe 34007 or 73096 following.

 

I thought I read somewhere that 34007 may be contracted out off the railway? I presume that never came to anything, was just hearsay or maybe it is still in the melting pot?
Also, when CanPac returns from Eastleigh, will the good working relationship the railway have with the works mean that another loco could be overhauled there? As Cheltenham went through Eastleigh, Nellie would be the prime candidate!