6989 Wightwick Hall

I don't disagree with your general comments (and the lining looks too thick to me), but the distance between name and Hall is dependent on the length of the name. The distance you quote is I assume from the dimensioned drawing of an arbitrary plate in Burridge. The distance between name and Hall on the shorter names will be significantly greater.

 

Examples of different spacings

https://www.gwra.co.uk/auctions/nameplate-runter-hall-ex-br-w-gwr-hawksworth-modif-2018jul-0100.html

https://www.gwra.co.uk/auctions/nameplate-astley-hall-ex-gwr-collet-4-6-0-hall-cla-2018nov-0240.html

https://www.gwra.co.uk/auctions/nameplate-heatherden-hall-ex-gwr-hall-4-6-0-6946-b-2017apr-0200.html

https://www.gwra.co.uk/auctions/nameplate-mytton-hall-ex-gwr-4-6-0-hall-class-loco-2015apr-0050.html

 

I own a 14 letter Hall plate and distance between the H of 'Hall" and the word also matches exactly that shown in Burridge.
You are correct that this distance can change on shorter named locomotives but where the letters are in similar range of letters - 13 for this Loco - then I would say that spacing is standard and letters are spaced accordingly to this measurement against a standard sized backplate.

 

I remember reading somewhere that at least one manufacturer of replica GWR nameplates always made the plates with small differences in the letter spacing compared to the originals. I'm sure this was so that anyone in the know would easily be able to tell the difference, so his plates would be less likely to be passed off as originals if, for example, they were stolen. Whether that's the case here I have no idea.

 

The recent article in Steam Railway about this fantastic restoration has a member of the group recounting how they took a brass rubbing of one of the original nameplates. This was hung in the hall of the same name (I believe it was a school at the time). This brass rubbing has been used to create the replicas - so if the spacing is wrong then it is wrong on the original too!

 

Yes, that is indeed what it says although a b&w image of said original nameplate displayed in the school near Wolverhampton is shown in the book I quoted earlier (p106) and letter spacing definitely looks different to this replica.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-47414230

 

My footage from a wet and cold visit to Quainton Road today... but great to see another locomotive back from the dead!

 

Very nice video. I really must pay another visit to Quainton Road and see Wightwick Hall, she looks fantastic.

 

One from a wet and windy day ,

 

40 odd years of dedication. Wonderful to see it running, it does really make me wonder how many more will be completed given the numbers that have left Barry, been restored run for a period and then been mothballed for decades awaiting overhaul. It really does them and others similar, credit that they stick to it rather than switching to the easier job of overhauling an out of ticket loco.

 

Announced as the first visitor to the Battlefield gala on 18-20 October. https://www.facebook.com/605020639674088/posts/1191736491002497/

 

Nice to see now there are 5 running halls at least and 6989 wightwick hall is the 150th barry loco to be restored well done to all those involved.

 

I reckon then to cop my 4th running hall to ride behind ile be going to shackerstone for their autumn gala to tick 6989 off my list then.

 

It would be nice to see it go to the GCR the week before for their gala as well to be with 6990!

 

That would be very unfair on those at The Battlefield Line especially given only a stones throw from each other. I hope that doesn't happen!

 

Well likewise with the caley tanky 419 how many heritage lines has she visited this year C.V.R. swanage railway and E.L.R. why not the same for 6989 and the owners for the 2999 saint if they can make money off it and please the enthusiasts and crowds on our heritage lines after all its a 5mt, It will have alot of wear in itself why not wear 6989 in on a longer line.

 

I think the thinking is that if 6989 is at the GCR the week before, then some folks might not be inclined to visit the Battlefield Line the weekend after, given its close proximity to the GCR. Us enthusiasts would visit, but we have to encourage Joseph Public, who may be coming to the area from further afield. They may not want to visit 2 lines in the same area within a fortnight...

Richard.

 

The battlefield is the harder of the 2 r,ways to get to without a car cos ive had to catch a train to loughborough from leeds 1st time i went biked it down forest road via copt oak and 2nd last years autumn gala time from burton on trent a bit easier on the A444 but the easiest way anyhow would be from hinckley. So yes cos the G.C.R. would pull more folk in on a gala day and a longer line also.
Davo 56F

 

Seems like you've little concern for the welfare of the battlefield line only caring about what is most convenient for you.