South Devon Railway

I was at the Military Weekend nd must mention it was very enjoyable as always with friendly staff and a good atmosphere with and interesting variety of engines and formations.

The question I was going to ask was does anyone know about the progress of Glendower, as rather cheekily I sneaked a look into the Private shed to see (The door was wide open, so couldn't resist) and it looks as though she has a nice shiny new boiler fitted, is this correct and if so is se nearing completion.

 

I'm very shocked by the news that I just received that 3803 is up for sale, I think shes a great loco and hope he goes to a good home (Nearby so I can still visit PDSR or WSR?? Theres a thought)

Although I do see the reason for her being sold as she was always going to be a bit big for the line as is 4920 Dumbleton Hall which is the reson they are putting off restoring her or so it seems, although I thougt 3803 was supposed to be the flagship loco for the line whilst 4920 is out of action.

Also what about the customer liking being able to see a tender loco at the front of the train? Has this idea been forgotten.

Anyway as I said it is a shame and just hop she goes to a good home.

 

Well, (seems) a bit sudden this decision - if she was too big for the line im surprised she hasnt been put on hire, rather than have it up for sale; makes me think that perhaps some interest has already been expressed? Anyway, the obvious candidate would be a move to the WSR. One of the type in steam and another as a mid/long term restoration job, a third would lesson (eliminate?) their reliance on hired in locos and give several of the same type. Then again, with the GWSR extending in a year or two perhaps they'd be interested....?

Chris

 

I'd be more curious about what the money was going to be spent on, fully restored ex BR 2-8-0, should put a sizeable amount in the coffers.

So what is it fast track restoration? a new purchase more in keeping with the line? extension..unlikely though a lot of money would be raised from the sale, it's still a drop in the ocean required to return to Ashburton, or just extra cash towards funding current restorations 3205, the auto, C&W?

 

It is in some ways a pity that the SDR have 3803 up for sale but as it states on their website it was never intended to be a day to day loco.I had a couple of trips during last weekend's Military Vehicle event and she performed well. SDR has always tried to re-create a branch line scenario so maybe they think their current tanks 5526,5786 and 1369 fit the bill for them, then there is also 1420 when overhaul is completed.
So perhaps it is as has been said in another post the money will go towards the restoration of 3205 which is a tender engine but as an 0-6-0 it will fit the branch line atmosphere.
Sadly 4920 seems to be sitting in the yard at Buckfastleigh with nothing being done and it seems no plans to restore.
I look forward to further posts with more news of 3803.

 

While on the subject of South Devon 2-8-0's, who owns the remains of 2873 these days? Is that the railway as well?

 

The news item on the South Devon Railway website about the sale of 3803 at...

http://www.southdevonrailway.org/News-a ... _sale.html

does indeed give a couple of indications to the SDR's plans, namely "The intention is to use the funds so raised to purchase motive power more suited to the line's branch line construction and image" and "The idea of obtaining alternative motive power was recently given a boost when certain more suitable locos were put up for sale"

 

I believe they are already aware of 4588's sale although now you mention it when I was at the PDSR last they were working on4588 as the front was open, indications of something being afoot??? There is a pic on my fotopic site it's not very good but perhaps someone more knowledgable may be able to tell what they are doing.

Although you seem to be forgetting here they have a 4575 in the form of 5526?? Maybe they'll make a move on 4555 (Only Joking). Would leave a possibility of a few interesting double headers though, just like in the good old days and when 5542 and 4160 came to visit!

As for what they'll get I'll bet they alreay have this planned, just a question of where from.

 

Is there any other 'suitable' GWR engines for sale? (Apart from 4588) If they sell 3802 and get 4588, they will have sold a working engine for a non-working engine needing an overhaul, so I not terriable sure it will 4588.

Although an unrestored engines differcult to sell these days, there might be a bit of a long list for 3802 since she in service. Then again I could be wrong, it been known (ask my freinds).

 

Indeed, maybe even a swap, or swap + cash balance might be on the cards. Would 3802 be suitable for the P&DSRs heavy trains?

 

Of course it would be......... Would pull anything the PDSR could throw at it with ease.

 

There is a Manor for sale I believe. Perhaps Ken Ryder has given up on the Cambrian Trust ever raising the money for it, and Lydham Manor was originally bought for the Ashburton line - a bit smaller than the Hall so maybe more suitable. As for the WSR buying 3803, a few years ago they turned down the opportunity of having three Manors at the same time, saying they preferred more variety. Different management then, of course, so things may have changed.

 

Given the rationale for selling 3802, I presume a reasonable offer for 4920 would secure it. If not, there is something fishy a-foot! You can't justify keeping 4920 if the numbers don't add up for 3208.

I presume they want a non-tender engine, given the line.

Can't see WSR wanting 3 38XX's though.

Neil.

 

Well one of the 28/38XX locos on the line is many, many years, if ever? from steaming and the other is on long term hire, the WSR could, in my opinion, make use of another 38XX given the heavier trains that are being hauled. It has been said before that they wish to own more locomotives of their own. By all accounts 3850 has proved to be a very economical engine to operate coal wise which is an important consideration. I guess it's all down to funding though, I should imagine that the loco must be worth circa £500k with 7 years remaining on it's ticket.....

 

Error

 

I don't see 4920 going anywhere due to her historical importance to the line as after all it was technically the Dumbleton Hall Preservation Society who technically bought the SDR from the Dart Valley in the first place, hence the historical importance, it has also been said a few times.

 

But if iDumbleton Hall is too big to be economical on the line, it is an expensive expression of sentiment. It would be better to try to come to an exchange deal with the WSRA for 4561; both lines would end up with something more appropriate to their needs!

 

The West Somerset would certainly be a good home for 3803, their current business plan does indeed still state that their locomotive policy is to either own or secure on long-term lease a core fleet of five class 4 engines. At present this is seen as being 9351, 7828 and 88, the possibility of 2874, plus a hired in class 4 loco, along with a smaller engine for lighter turns.

The WSR bought Ken Ryder's out-of-ticket "Odney Manor" for £250,000 back in 2004, that's now part way through a general overhaul which will cost getting on for £400,000 to complete, plus they've recently bought the Barry Scrapyard condition Heavy Freight no. 2874 - presumably the cost of that was more in the tens of thousands... I imagine that's got to be looked at as a very long term project.

Maybe the West Somerset would be better off buying the in-ticket Heavy Freight from the South Devon Railway and then either selling on 2874, or maybe giving it a very low priority?

Having said that, the SDR is selling 3803 by means of a tendering process, so presumably it's a case of whoever bids the most money gets the engine? Perhaps I'll have a couple of extra lucky dips on the lottery on Saturday! [-o<

Regards

Andrew

 

A nice Ivatt 2-6-2 would suit their branch. Perhaps they could rescue the one that got sent to the Isle of Wight or any of the others owned by the Ivatt Trust.

Perhaps 3803 will go mainline?