6100 Royal Scot

I see from UKSteam.info that three test runs are planned for 6100 in January, culminating in a loaded test run to Westbury on Thurs 22nd. Another welcome return to the mainline.

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

Any bets on how many runs it makes before the smoke deflectors are refitted ?, im sure the LMS wasn't in the habit of making modifications without good reason.

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

I am about to delete these three runs in January as I'm told they are now very unlikely to happen.

David

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

I understand that no bid has been received by Network Rail for these test trips of 6100.

Regards, Neil

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

Your understanding is incorrect. Bids were, indeed, made to NR (by me) and provisional timings were issued, in return, some time ago. However, the project team have subsequently indicated that 6100 will not be ready for the proposed dates, in January, and therefore the trial runs have been postponed.

James Shuttleworth
WCR

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

Now there's a surprise!

When you rely on Mr lastminute.com, not much happens when its supposed to.

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

Now pulled from it's 22nd Feb run

Is it gauging issue ?

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

More likely won't be tested & certified in time. Slightly surprised it's shown as "cancelled" but I suppose you can only postpone something if you have a new date to postpone it to. Not a big deal - think how long it took to get 850, 60007, 60019, 70013 and others complete and certified. It'll be done when it's done. Keep your eyes peeled for new test-run dates...

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

mmmmm thats boring, these things happebn though

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

In the latest Steam Railway (358) test trips are quoted for 21, 22 & 23 January - subject to static first steaming. There is also a "Stop Press" saying the first steaming may be delayed by a week obtaining the correct gauge wiring.

I'll make no further comment apart from "good luck" to the restoration team.

Regards, Neil

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

As noted above, these test runs have been postponed.

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

The trouble with mags is they are only as good as the info that is availible at the date of going to press.

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

Thats exactly what I think. You can't rush everything, it's got to be done slowly & carefully.

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

Sun 15-Feb 46100: Southall-TBA-Southall (Provisional) - (12/01) E+C
From UK Steam, 2nd time lucky?

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

News to me! Who do you you lot really believe - me, a monthly mag or an unofficial website?

Get real!

James

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

Be fair now, James. UKsteam.info is a generally reliable source of information (though I take your point about the monthly magazines!). Those of us familiar with the site know to take anything marked "provisional" with a pinch of salt, especially when it's something like a loco test run.

Are you saying that WCRC has not been approached to run a test train on that date? Do you have a date in mind at the moment?

IIRC, it is often expedient to keep a train plan (or whatever it's called) alive in NR systems by postponing it to a new date, even when you know it will be necessary to postpone again later, to avoid going through the rigmarole of approving a "new" train. I think something like this happened with Bittern and Lord Nelson, didn't it? Maybe this is what the 6100 team are doing now?

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

I did not want to get into a long debate about the introduction of newly-overhauled locos into main line service but suffice to say, as almost invariably happens, many problems/delays can 'throw' proposed dates and then everything gets put back. As far as 6100 was concerned, runs were requested, timed and published but, since being postponed, no new dates have been agreed - yet. Postponing, as opposed to cancelling, really makes little difference, as the paths all have to be revalidated, anyway.

Many years ago, it was the convention, under BR/InterCity, that, until locos had undertaken their trials and were fully-registered, no railtours were to be booked. Under commercial pressure, that has latterly generally been ignored and the downside to that highlighted, in last two years, with 60019, 60007, 70013 etc, etc. Therefore, it is wise to assume nothing (even when locos are widely-advertised), until the trials have been completed satisfactorily, in order not to be disappointed. Even the most reputable promoters can be caught out!

James Shuttleworth
WCR

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

Thanks for the clarification, James. It's always good to have what we think we know confirmed or corrected by someone who's really "in the know".

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

?????????????????????

Whats all that about?

 

Re: 6100 Royal Scot test runs

Yes, it's only taken 7 years. Three times as long as they boasted it would take, and quite a bit more than three times the budget. In the case of e.g. 70013, it was only a matter of months overrun, not years. And I've not heard that it was hugely over budget either. At least not on the scale of 4472, 6100 ...

Still, someones pockets must be nicely lined by now. Funny how it's always the same names that keep popping up.