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Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by Jamessquared, Feb 16, 2013.

  1. Paulthehitch

    Paulthehitch Well-Known Member

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    Of course 488 is not a ''big chuffer'' (Sorry)
     
  2. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Some while back, I seem to recall the team building Beachy Head suggested an estimate of about £750k for the Adams Radial which would allow the smallest amount of replacement to the original fabric of the loco. I think at a minimum it requires a very substantial boiler rebuild (probably similar to what is being done for Fenchurch, but on a larger boiler). The driving wheels would need investigation as to whether they were repairable or would need replacing.

    The next couple of planned locos (one large, one medium) will be in the next Bluebell News; as well as some other non-loco projects that need progressing. Should hit doormats in mid January :)

    Tom
     
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  3. WesternRegionHampshireman

    WesternRegionHampshireman Well-Known Member

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    Personally, so glad 847 and 60009 are finally in overhaul, talk about flogging a dead horse, it was practically painful waiting for them to disappear into the workshops.

    Hopefully Bluebell have some decent engines coming back into steam.

    I guess the smally is Fenchurch and the middy is 75027?
     
  4. Cosmo Bonsor

    Cosmo Bonsor Member

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    Where did you hear that from?

    The fire box already has half sides from way back.
    At its last overhaul the crown stays were done and the half sides had new patch screws fitted and plates caulked. Lots of stays were replaced too.
    How do I know this?
    It’s probably because of the many weeks I spent in the fire box with boiler tools in my hand doing some of these jobs. The patch screws especially. There’s flippin’ loads of ‘em!
    Just about the last job I did on 847 was to machine and fit the regulator valve on a P&V in 2016.
    The rest of the engine is fine, apart from the tyres and the usual stuff as Tom says.
    It’s an Eastliegh horror engine. They’re well made.

    I’m looking forward to a re-run of 1618. It had more go than 1638.
    I passed my firing test on ‘18 and my driving test on ‘38.
    I have a soft spot for U classes.
     
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  5. MuzTrem

    MuzTrem Member

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    You couldn't possibly spend that much money on overhauling one locomotive...Steam Beano would throw up their hands in horror and start splashing endless headlines insinuating that it was all a waste of money, etc.

    Oh wait...sorry...I'm getting mixed up. 488 isn't Flying Scotsman, is it? So I'm sure that will be fine, then...! :rolleyes:
     
  6. WesternRegionHampshireman

    WesternRegionHampshireman Well-Known Member

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    You would be correct!
    ANYTHING but THAT Eastern pile of rubbish!

    On the other hand, all fingers crossed that 488 is left in that beautiful BR lined black livery as 30583, a true rewind to the last years of the Lyme Regis branch.
     
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  7. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    And just what livery do you imagine I'm wearing, my dear chap? :Pompus:
     
  8. WesternRegionHampshireman

    WesternRegionHampshireman Well-Known Member

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    Amended! :D
    I always get mixed up with the Adams Radial tank numbers.
     
  9. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Looks like my eyesight's up the spout this evening, but yep ... 30583 she was!
     
  10. WesternRegionHampshireman

    WesternRegionHampshireman Well-Known Member

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    Was? She back in LSWR livery now?
    Anyway, a couple pre-23 tanks + a certain Dukedog would'nt go a-miss.

    Anyone know the Giants theme for next year?
     
  11. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Very tired green, last time I saw it, cold at SP (more years ago than I care to admit!).
     
  12. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Currently in BR livery, has been since 2019.

    Tom
     
  13. WesternRegionHampshireman

    WesternRegionHampshireman Well-Known Member

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    Awesome.
     
  14. Mark Thompson

    Mark Thompson Well-Known Member

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    I have a fond memory of one summer Sunday in 1982/3, I'd managed to escape London for a day, to the sanity of my beloved home county. As was my wont, then,, I'd travelled to Haywards Heath, then hiked out through the lanes to Freshfield halt. The peace and birdsong was wonderful after the ceaseless racket and stink of London.
    After a short while, a whistle and the sound of an engine working hard, and then 488, dressed as 30583, plus 3 Bulleid carriages rolled in, and for that brief moment, it was just like stepping back 30 years onto the Lyme Regis branch. A magic snapshot of memory which has remained, still vivid.
     
  15. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    (Tin hat on) I quite like the lined black. Perhaps something to do with that being the only livery I've seen in old colour photos from it's Lyme Regis days.

    Boy, is my hat ever off to those folks who ensured the survival of this gem, all those years ago.
     
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  16. WesternRegionHampshireman

    WesternRegionHampshireman Well-Known Member

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    You guys were so lucky.
    I know I am GWR (and always will be) but I would have absolutely LOVED to have travelled on these old SR lines in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
    To get the authentic experience of a railway in the sticks.

    Mind you, saying that, any closed railway line I would love to have travelled on, just a shame I was born in the Mid-90's when privatisation happened and all these companies became money grabbers instead of helping the communities they served.
     
  17. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    We digress, but BR was no saint, and it’s fares policy was frequently set by very money grabbing ministers.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  18. WesternRegionHampshireman

    WesternRegionHampshireman Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately, as with any case, if the fat cats at the top want more money, they'll get it no matter what.

    But yes, back to matters, any news on Fenchurch?
     
  19. A1X

    A1X Well-Known Member

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    I'd imagine there'll be a float past of the RMS Titanic and the HMS Victory through the Solent before we see 488 running again!
     
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  20. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Yes, on this very thread three days ago ...

    Tom
     

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