Under restoration/Never steamed in preservation

Well 34053 seemed to have won a few friends when it went on it's jollys away from the SVR. 35025 (when it happens) could do the same

 

Apparently, the reason why on the Ffestiniog, Blanche has a tender cab and Linda doesn't is because their regular drivers in the 1960s had different preferences. There is a quote attributed to Allan Garraway but I think via a 19th century CME, that 'a stout mackintosh is cheaper and better for the driver'.

Tender first in the rain across the cob on Linda is about as much fun as you would imagine it to be. Prince on the other hand is great other than the fact that it was designed for people who were 5ft tall.

Nicest cab of all was CP 2860.

 

With all this talk of cabs I found another old photograph of Brocklebank at the GCR (Dec 05).....with a cab!

 

Its certainly got to be good news for 35025 , as it now is in the hands of people who have the skills to progress it forward, and hopefully it can be progressed, I don't know what SLL's plans are, but I would imagine it may make commercial sence to have an Mainline registered Merchant Navy for Wareham services and Beyond as one drawback of the Moguls are their going to be limited in what they can haul should any opportunity arise to provide traction for any mainline specials that may wish to visit Swanage , or Weymouth,

 

As a very minor shareholder in SLL, I await clarification regarding plans for 35025, especially given the sale of 22 and 27 15or so years ago. However, I hope the board maintains the same clear eyed discipline (including sale of the other MNs) that has served SLL well over the years, and does not get lulled into WIBN.

For clarity, my definition of WIBN includes SLL repairing any of the fleet to Wareham standards on SLL’s own account.


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That's a lot of 'ifs buts and maybes' to invest £100k + into, never mind the provision of a support coach and staff/volunteers.

As @35B says, mainlining 35025 (or any of the SLL locos) is WIBN and should be discounted quickly to avoid speculation. If/when 35025 is restored, I would've thought heritage line working should be enough to keep it busy. Depending on their own loco fleets, lines such as the GWSR (assuming 35006 would be oou at that point), maybe the SVR, the NNR, the NYMR and even (in a twist of history) the GCR could be options. I'm sure others could add to the list.

Keith

 

Indeed. The email was careful in saying that there are no plans to restore it at the moment, with 34028, 34070 and 34010 taking precedence, and that this was emphasised to the 35025 group - in fact, there was no guarantee. It will remain sheeted over at Sellindge for the time being.

 

The email quoted upthread refers to the loco being placed in the care of SLL. Is there anyone who can clarify if this is actually a transfer of ownership or simply a care/maintenance type of loan (without any fees) ?

Thanks

Keith

 

I’m not sure where it could actually move to anyway. I doubt the Swanage Railway would want it taking up their siding or workshop space, when it’s of no practical use to them.

 

I think the details are still being worked out and SLL are trying to find out exactly what 35025 consists of, at this point in time.......but of course, at this point in time, there are other, C19 related, priorities.

As this particular restoration has generated a lot of interest perhaps it deserves its own thread Mods?

 

Perhaps if this transfer goes ahead restoration could resume at its current location, which has a history of proactive association with the proposed new custodians?

 

The SLL have stated that it will be sheeted over at Sellinge, until it can be moved to a more suitable location, as the days of restoring locomotives in fields are over.

 

Personally, I can understand why the owners of 35025 went with SLL, basically a very good track record of restoring locomotives. Being a share holder of SLL I never joined, but was “taken over” when Project 78 (owners of 80078) merged with SLL. My shares being replaced like for like with SLL. I still invest in SLL over the years. I presume a share exchange will be offered to the shareholders of 35025? I remain a share holder of SSL despite seeing “my loco” depart the fold. All for the right reason. We had ten years to enjoy 78 in Dorset before heading back to the Eastern region and now looks superb back in traffic. I think when Port Line was sold, we had high hopes of a quick return to traffic and maybe the main line, but it does seem to be stalled at present. Shame.

 

So how about steaming Ellerman then?
I cannot think of a good reason to do so but were the frames sectioned as well? If not then if the identity remains with the frames it could happen ( but it wont)
Just idle speculation but got to fill the time somehow!

 

That's surely WIBN on steroids?

 

More like WAYO (what are you on?)

Keith

 

Ignoring the small matter of what the owner wished to do, I suspect restoring Ellerman lines to operational use is probably a smaller project in technical and financial terms than some of the other MN’s out there!

Tom

 

Yes I think this is a good idea too. They could use the boiler from one of the others that’s not getting repaired yet. The wheels go round when I saw it so it’s in good condition to run it’s just the boiler

 

For the avoidance of doubt, I didn’t say it was a good idea ...

Tom

 

The dregs of the drinks cabinet? I mean what else is there to do at the mo?