Question re SWT's 3417

I asked some of the locals when I was there for the event yesterday. They were cautiously optimistic. They said that the worst council estates were on the other side of town and that some of those responsible for the worst previous graffiti had recently been sent to prison.

 

Just thinking out loud here, but how about extending track onto the viaduct and storing the unit on it? Obviously the civil engineers would have to have a look at the idea, but it would mean that there is a big security fence between the unit and any potential taggers. A tarpaulin would then reduce the risk of anyone with a BB gun from damaging the windows.

Regards,

Dan

 

What would be the point in doing either of those things?! The VEP is there as a source of publicity for the extension, and to give the Bluebell a presence at EG. Covering the unit in tarpaulins or hiding it away on the viaduct would totally defeat the object of it being there.

The Blubell have bought it (very cheaply) to serve a purpose, rather than to preserve it as such. I can't see it staying on the Bluebell for long once the extension is open.

 

I would imagine the tarpaulins are only there as a temporary measure to protect against weather and the like, when the Bluebell want to display it properly it should be fairly easy to take it off again.

 

Not wishing to disagree with you Stepney too much but the nice guy leading the first tour of the viaduct yesterday said that when the Bluebell took it over the brick walls were covered in obscene drawings. None since the gates went up.

On the positive side I thought the Open Day was great, the new section of track superb and just roll on the day the line gets through.

 

The difference being that they had been "available" for a good 30 years previously?

 

I'm alright now...
Just very sorry to see the old girl go.

For this reason:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=116774805482&oid=16925770356&ref=nf
(As filmed by my good friend Matt, watching at Byfleet and New Haw as we headed for Woking)

In ticket and good for 90mph; and now standing in a siding.

If this is how the steam mob felt watching from the sidelines in the 60's, I can see where the preservation movement got its backbone from.

 

What you have written Steppers is gobbleygook, it does not make sense, please enlighten we peasents what you mean?.

Regards
Chris Willis

 

The viaduct



I notice from all yesterdays videos that the station has it's fair share also.

 

Eh? Makes perfect sense to me. The brick walls were covered in obscene drawings because they had been "available" for a good 30 years previously. The walls of the viaduct had lain unused, and probably under-protected, for 30 years or so between the end of the service in the late 1950s and lifting of the track in the 1960s to the work commencing in the 1990s. Hence the pictures appearing.

Comprende?

 

Si si Senor, muchas gracias.

Although only after you have spelt it out, diin,t make sense before to anyone.

Have a good week, make us proud of you University boys.

Regards
chris Willis

 

Grafiti "artists" still manage to graf railway structures on live lines in fairness...


It is a shame it will lie out of use, I wonder if merseyrail would allow me to keep in up here

 

It was the end of an era for us at Wimbledon, but was a good run down and good to be on a VEP at 90mph again. Glad you're ok now Potter, we'll pop down with a pinch-bar, she's only about a coach length and a bit off the juice!!

 

Oh, if only.

 

Si si Senor, muchas gracias.

Although only after you have spelt it out, diin,t make sense before to anyone.

Have a good week, make us proud of you University boys.

Regards
chris Willis[/quote:1ytkjpnp]

couldn't see anything wrong with the first post - made sense to me on first reading.

 

Comprendo tambien - somos tan listos como usted.

So East Grinstead is better than it has been over the last 30 years? No doubt if / when the Vep gets sprayed a photo will be directed your way.

You may of course be right and I may just be a cynical old git.

 

Posted on Nat Pres. and WNXX forums

Folks,

Please find at the link below a message from the man who made sure 3417 stayed in such good nick for so long. I hope it gives some pleasure for you all to know that the positive comments and praise have been registered and appreciated by the staff at Wimbledon.

http://wimbledonparkdepot.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!BDD9587C6E3493EA!3570.entry

 

A BIG well done for a group of railway workers who decided that the unit was worth spending time keeping in such excellent condition. They didn't have to, but all credit to them for doing so.

I remember the last time it was at Swanage, part of the daily checks involved making sure that the million doors opened, and, on hitting the rubber bump-stop, properly swung closed again. Most of our MK1 doors go thud on the bump-stop and stop...

I notice, too, that she kept her shoes on for this visit so hopefully she will run again soon. [-o<

 

=D> =D> \/

How long will 3417 be staying at EG?

 

Until the Blubell open the extension to EG, a timescale of 2 years has been talked about although that may be a bit optimisitc. After that 3417 will probably leave the Bluebell.