850 Lord Nelson

But surely there is a difference between "expecting the loco to go to the Bluebell" and "being based at the Mid Hants"? After all, 3440 is (nominally at least) "based at the GlosWarks" (or at least was at the time) but still visited the Bluebell. Basing it there wouldn't work due to it not being fitted with veritcal take-off when needed for main-line work, but visiting it would hardly be out of the question surely? Besides Bluebell and the MHR have a fairly good working arrangement on things such as loaning engines (several have gone either way in recent years, the likes of 41312, 32473, 96, 55 etc)

 

I think the person who said it would never go to the MHR is no longer associated with it...

 

Quite right. He stepped down from the role of "caretaker".

It will be interesting if it goes to the MHR. A good place to test it out on the banks before it returns to the ML just to make sure all is well.

 

Despite the fact that 828 has been there for some time?[/quote:3ox5n3el]

That point was raised at the time! It was also mentioned if the guy had the authority to make such a statement. Could be why he's no longer involved!

 

I went to see Lord Nelson yesterday on the GCR and was most impressed by the Big Green Engine, it is mighty powerful and took the gentle gradients without breaking sweat.I was also very impressed with the engineering work and other improvements that have been made around Rothley.It is easy to forget that this side of running railways is just as important as what engines are running.Well done to the GCR for making real improvements and keep up the good work!

See http://steamgalore.fotopic.net/c1544001_1.html

 

Let's hope it's true I was at the MHR today and I never heard that story.

 

Will MHR be able to comply with the NRM condition that its steam locos must be kept undercover when not in use?

 

I suppose we will have to wait and see whether or not the loco does indeed go to the MHR.

If they store the loco in the Wheeldrop shed then there would not be a problem, although shunting it in and out regularly could be a pain.

I think the previous chief engineer of the ERPS, had one almighty chip on his shoulder regards the MHR and did not seem to accept that all that has gone on in the past is history and that the railway has moved on.

 

I don't think we're likely to see Nelson or any other mainline loco on the Bluebell until E.G. is reached mainly due to the wear and tear a loco can take being put on a low loader. But I'd agree it would be great to see Lord Nelson on the Bluebell and yes for me and my Dad BR Green for 850. [-o<

 

I be more impressed when she proves to be a reliable engine at last rather then the colour! She seems to be devloping a history of having probloms. Might have to rely on those Bullieds!!

(P.S. This is no way a attack or what ever at the people who look after her since 1962.)

 

Ah right, obviously news to the ERPS committee then as well....?

 

As an MHR volunteer, and given all of the nonsense spouted by some of the people involved, I have to admit to a certain scepticism that the thing will visit us.

 

But if it did, I'd moan about it facing the wrong way, you'd tell me to stop whingeing and then I'd owe you even more biers!

Haven't forgotten I aim to walk from Alton to Medstead looking for decent photo spots! Just been waiting for summer to arrive*/return*.

* delete as applicable

 

It would seem to me the speculation and rumour mill is working overtime again.
Why not wait and see the outcome of forthcoming meetings between tthe NRM and E.R.P.S. before
making assumptions on the future of 850?
The truth will come out all in good time.
I am sure the ERPS committee will announce the true plans in due course.

 

I think you have misread the previous postings. We were saying that it would be wonderful if 850 could visit the Bluebell, to run with their vintage SR carriages. I'd like to think that this might be possible for a gala or something of the sort. However, until they get a mainline connection, I think everyone can see that the Bluebell is not a suitable home for a mainline locomotive.

Are talks happenning at the moment? I was assuming that they probably are, but I have no information. Any idea how long they might take - when might we expect some news?

Meanwhile, back at the GCR - did anyone see her running this weekend? I saw the pictures linked above of her on-shed at Loughborough. I didn't manage to get up there myself, and probably won't in the next few weeks.

 

Only because we've all inherited a human trait that has been around for many Centuries! ;-)

For a loco that is clearly very much loved, and whose recent past has been quite difficult.

Here's one I took earlier. Circa 1962 on the afternoon up parcels at Weybridge.

 

The only problem with that statement is that the wheeldrop shed is for maintenance and there'd be no room for it!

 

What about putting a tarpaulin over her instead of putting her under cover.
8-[ 8-[ 8-[ 8-[

 

Whats a tarpaulin?

Chris