Swanage Railway General Discussion

All boiler tickets run out every year ...

I suspect you are thinking about the ten-yearly out of frames inspection, but it is possible with the agreement of the boiler inspector to extend that if it is considered prudent with the condition of the boiler and the known history of how rapidly it is wearing out. Given that a significant chance of this year's running season has not happened, it wouldn't be beyond the bounds of possibility to ask for an extension. There are numerous locos in preservation that have run into an eleventh year since the out of frames inspection.

Ultimately it is down to agreement between the railway and the boiler inspector. Certainly if a loco was due to go out of traffic in, say, June, an extension to the end of December the same year so as to cover the summer and Santa seasons would be worth exploring given that the number of miles and days run this year is going to be markedly down for many locos.

Tom

 

Well fair enough on those points. But considering the railway has had shortages for the last few years because of one thing or another, it will be annoying that thanks to Covid-19 the railway is back down to two engines for the 2021 Season.

Selfishly I rather keen to finally see the N class back in traffic after so much delay...

 

Exactly, which means that both are not due out of service 'this year' as you stated.

 

Oh right before the 2021 season then!!!

 

I believe there was at one point a plan to overhaul the boiler from 31625, and have it ready to allow a fast track overhaul of 31806.

With the T9 due out of traffic this year, you have to wonder if it’s already hauled it’s last train. Hopefully a new overhaul and loan period will be agreed with the NRM.

 

Shows what is going on at Wareham with a good shot of Andrew PM Wright (Official Photographer of the Swanage Railway) taking a photographic interest.

 

Thanks for the video link at of the 701 test at Wareham.
Shame the power test failed but what testing is for. The class 458 Junipers, which the 701 will replace, had lockup problems in service and the whole train had to be rebooted, the 458 went to onto become the most reliable of the fleet and hopefully the high tech 701 (which will become another high capacity passenger crowded "cattle truck" on suburban lines) will be reliable?.

Sadly looks like the long awaited SR Wareham to Corfe service linking with the SWR Desiros might be delayed to 2021, but hopefully they will be able to test the DMUs and 31806 at Wareham later this year?

 

563 overhaul has been delayed to help the SR survive.
http://563locomotivegroup.co.uk/appeal/letter-from-the-chairman/
Presumably when things get back as normal as possible and 563 is complete, attention can switch to the T9 overhaul and getting some matching Victorian carriages restored?

 

Just like that!! - you need volunteers and money and neither of us are volunteers, so have we got the money - I haven't so it is just wishful thinking.

 

It is good news that the Purbeck Community Rail Partnership has achieved accreditation. That should help the future of the Swanage Railway.

 

Had it not been for the virus several of the Swanage Railway projects would have been progressing well.

Lets hope that with various overhauls and projects delayed to help save the railway, the current locos coming up with boiler life certification, extensions will be offered?

 

Good news for SR and SWR (but not the same as museum accreditation which is still pending?)
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/18504621.purbeck-rail-group-recognised-government/

But the benefits for the SR might not be till 2021 as the Wareham project has been delayed?

 

Museum Accreditation is dealt with by the Arts Council and concerns matters such as conservation, record keeping on artefacts and matters such as humidity and temperature control.

 

You are right, Museum Accreditation has been pending for many years now and probably will be for even more years after lockdown as priorities are elsewhere.

 

Actually, IMHO you need to give it serious attention. Much of the work can be dealt with away from the railway so it is an ideal thing to prioritise in lockdown. The advantages include exchange of artefacts with other accredited museums. Also, the Arts Council administer the section of the National Lottery dealing with grant applications from Heritage Railways. Being Accredited means the Arts Council accepts your body as an organisation reaching certain standards.

 

But the Museum's Manager is one of those who have been furloughed to save costs.

 

I am not underestimating what is involved but this is a classic job for a volunteer. This was the case in the instance I am aware of.

 

Read all about it - the latest Swanning Around No.63 is out https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/volunteers-diary

 

Workshops have never needed to close. I am aware of several non-railway engineering shops that have never closed. It is a little difficult to do heavy engineering at home.

Robin