4079 Pendennis Castle Overhaul

Only if you have a ridiculous headboard to stick on the front...



https://flic.kr/p/2daZpPr

 

Considering their history both in the UK and Aus I would imagine so, albeit most likley at Didcot when Scotsman finds herself darn south.

 

Do you have one to hand?

 

I was thinking exactly the same thing last week after finding some videos of 4472 in Australia on YouTube. I knew that they met up out there but was not aware until last week that they worked together pulling specials. The Aus Steam '88 documentary I used to have on VHS tape never featured the A3+Castle doubleheader for some reason.*
It would be great for them to meet up at Didcot but I guess that visitor numbers would have to be limited for this event due to the demand.

*Edit: just found out that the A3 + Castle doubleheader trips took place in 1989.

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Not only did it take place the following year, it also occured in Western Australia, two and a half thousand miles away from the location of Aus Steam '88 celebrations in the eastern states.

I think that the Castle/4472 link goes much further back to 1925 when the two underwent historic comparative trials on the LNER.

 

And they were shed mates at Overton in the 70’s don’t forget, they do seem to have an intertwined history with each other

 

I think the 4079/4472 link was more to do with the British Empire Exhibition where the two were displayed next to each other with the GWR making much of her smaller size yet greater TE.

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I won't lie I got a bit emotional reading this. https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/product.php/78/going-loco

 

Yes. Saw this. Wonderful

 

Thank you for drawing this blog to my attention. I didn't even know it existed!

 

Yes it's a great blog, published every Tuesday and the history told is amazing. Can't wait for 2 April to see Pendennis out and about in service.

 

Yes, me too. Brought back happy memories of the first time Drysllywyn Castle moved under her own power following restoration in the 1980's.

 

I wonder if the loco will spend time on the hire/ gala circuit or mainly based at Didcot?

 

Much as I like Didcot (and been a GWS member since 1979) it would be a shame to restrict such a powerful express loco to their short demo lines. They've been happy enough to loan locos out in the past (as indeed they did with Lady of legend), so no reason to think they won't do so with Pendennis.

 

I suspect that this will undoubtedly be the case, I think there has been quite a mood shift in the upper echelons at Didcot, they have gone from motive power shortage to now having 2999 and 4079 (who don't really fit the site but are pretty good for hiring out and acting as ambassadors) and 4144, Trojan (always get the numbers of the saddle tanks there mixed up), 1466 shortly and their Thomas all of which are more than enough to provide motive power at home!

Seems to have been an age since they had so much in ticket. Sadly I fear that we will not be seeing many of the bigger locomotives on site overhauled long term, looking at my girl 5051 I fear I may never see her steam again (and I am only mid 40's). I wonder whether the next priorities may be finishing the Hawksworth County, getting on with the Churchward Saddle Tank, finishing 7202 and then not sure?

 

It makes you wonder if some locos would be better out on "restore and run" agreements. I am not thinking of the prize stuff like 5051, but perhaps the 56xx tank, which does seem a trifle unloved?

 

I recall reading somewhere that she will be staying at Didcot for a year or so before being hired out. She will be a very popular loco when available to hire. I would imagine that there is already a waiting list.

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Even if just appearing in light steam, a 60th anniversary 'end of steam' visit to Paddington would be good to see ..... as well as raising Didcot's profile.

 

Would she fit?

 

I would imagine she would be OK width-wise, but the full-height cab and boiler mountings would be a problem. IIRC 5051 has cut-down fittings, so I suppose they could in theory be swapped over; but would it really be worth the trouble just for a short, non-working visit?

Let's just enjoy seeing her at work in full-height form on preserved lines, and be thankful that she is running at all.

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