LNER Beaver tail observation saloons, what's happening with them ?

Ah thanks, my copy hasn't turned up yet but that picture above is a great appetiser for when it does. Amazing work by Sawdust and all that worked on it.

 

Geeky question time, I'm afraid.
I see the axle journals are numbered. I was used to various systems for this on the freight side (no standardisation there!) but I never saw a vehicle which numbered above 8. Was this the numbering for the entire train (as originally built)?
Pat

 

Yes, the whole set was numbered in this way.

Sawdust.

 

Good grief that is beautiful. Applause for @Sawdust. Seeing pictures of how it was to how it is now, this was no easy job. Can't wait to see this in action myself!

 

I would now like to express my gratitude to all at at Nemesis Rail, who were charming hosts throughout, gave assistance whenever asked, didn't complain when I got under their feet and deserve as much credit for this restoration as myself.

Sawdust.

 

http://www.beavertail.org.uk/

Sawdust.

 

Few things have made me smile as much as seeing that Beavertail in its original form and livery. Truly an astonishing restoration. Well done to everyone concerned.

 

Absolutely stunning...indeed utterly gobsmacked. A fitting tribute to all who have financed it and the craftsmen et al who have used their skills to produce this piece of railway history...Well Done all....

 

Just seen it in Steam Railway - Absolutely superb, and it will get my vote in the HRA awards, no contest. I don't care what else is entered, this deserves due recognition!
It's also managed to fly under the radar pretty well too. All credit to the team responsible for it.

Richard.

 

Has it been nominated for a HRA award? Or is this still to come?

 

No idea, but if it isn't, it damned well ought to be!

Richard.

 

It's not been nominated yet as I believe the nominees for 2020 have only just been announced so probably be announced at the end of this year or the start of next. I agree with Richard that the Beavertail, for me, would be the clear winner, as having now seen Steam Railway, the finished result is absolutely stunning.

 

Personally, I don't give a stuff about the HRA awards, in my experience they are awarded on the basis of the judges personal preferences, with little regard to the authenticity of the restoration. I'm sure 1729 will win awards but because of what it is and not how well it has been done.

Yes, I do feel proud of what we have achieved with 1729 but I felt no less proud of Thompson TK 1623, Gresley BTO 43567, Gresley TTO 56856 and Gresley RB 641, to all of which I worked on with the same attitude to that I applied to 1729. None of which won awards, all of which I felt deserved one for a variety of reasons. To me the reward of these restorations is seeing the reaction of the non enthusiast traveling public to a vehicle which is as close as possible to how it appeared when it was in service.

Sawdust.

 

So basically anyone else involved in C&W restoration with other projects this year just may as well not bother?

 

My comment certainly wasn't aimed as a broadside to other projects at all - But this one is an absolutely fantastic rebirth, and I think it's absolutely worthy of a top award. That is not to take credit away from other projects at all, every project is just as worthwhile, it's another vehicle restored.

Richard.

 

Half tempted to nominate whichever the next Mk1 is that emerges from Winchcombe works! Do we still get the free dinner just for being nominated?...

 

No, but wouldn’t you agree this sets the bar pretty high? I look forward to seeing the other contenders and more breathtaking ‘reveals’ from our great nation of wagon & waggon restorers.

 

Richard, I get where your coming from, but we’re only in February! It’s a bit like saying Foo Fighters latest album is my album of year continuing the musical analogy we know what the big bands on the big labels can do, let’s just see what those small ones on the independents can do.

 

I see your point too, but I think it will take a lot to top the sheer workmanship of this restoration, not to mention the recreation of something which is from the art-deco era of which I am a big fan... We'll see if my view changes during the year, but I don't think it will!

Richard.

 

Miff I don’t disagree, I’ve always thought C&W work is extremely important, after all what do passengers spend most of their time in?
All I’m saying is it’s just a bit early for next years winners of the HRA awards to be announced just yet.