Steam loco hire availability?

In the case of the Swindon and Cricklade it is not because of COVID, it is more that privately owned locos have left the railway.

Two locos for example that were used for many years. One got to the point it needed lots of mechanical work. Another railway the Middleton offered to do the work so the group that owned it decided to take up the offer, so it left.

Another loco regularly used was owned by a very hardworking chap who both maintained and drove it but I understand he had some serious health issues so he sold it to a railway in Scotland.

When stuff leaves like this, unfortunately it then often means those individuals that are involved with it also quit or move with the loco to the other line.

 

In the case of the KESR, Covid didn't help us at all. The 4253 group were hard hit, both in terms of overhaul time, and in the lack of opportunities to raise funds. There have been inevitable delays in the overhaul of Charwelton, waiting on boiler and cylinder block suppliers (not their fault, but a knock on of Covid). We hired 4144 the first time round, then the world locked down, and I think we only used it twice! Having said that, it's not all Covid's fault. 30065 has needed a lot more work than first thought, and with both that and 4253 under overhaul, we can't get started on 6619 yet. These days, it's a case of "it'll be ready when it's ready"!

 

Made an excellent choice hiring in Swiftsure though... Stunning loco and fits in well with the K&ESR house blue livery!

 

The loco that you referred to as being moved to Middleton is HC 1544 Slough Estates no.3, which actually left the S & C in 2011, not relatively recently. The reason it left was that the S & C did not want to use it because of its wheel tyres. They had been quite happy to use the loco and did so until it was pointed out there was a problem with the tyres. For whatever reason, the S & C were so keen to get rid of it that they paid the transport for the loco to come to Middleton. What was the problem with the wheel tyres? Well, they were to ARLE Profile E. This is a profile meant for intermediate wheels on locomotives and was originally used on the intermediate wheels of the 9F's. The tread is essentially standard but the backs of the flanges are tapered for 1.875", as shown on the attached drawing. The problem is that all six wheels had been machined to this profile and not just the middle ones. When this was done is lost in the mists of time but the wheels have never been turned since its days at Slough Estates so must have been done when in industrial service. The loco was plated to run on BR so was obviously considered acceptable by them. Sister loco Slough Estates No.5 has the same profile and has worked in various places in preservation without problem, When it came to Middleton, it was run all over the system and clearances were carefully measured to ensure that there would be no problem in negotiating pointwork. this proved to be the case and the loco was put into service after a few jobs were done on it. It ran for the next 1o years without any problem. The tread profile is still good and there is no intention of re-tyring the wheels during its present overhaul.

 

Maybe it might be worth contacting the Spa Valley Railway about the Barclay they're working on 2315 'Lady Ingrid'. Looks a bit on the small side for their services nowadays and one of their Facebook pages shows it's nearly finished.

 

Battlefield line have now secured steam loco cover until September. The identity of that cover is yet to be publicly announced

 

Ivor the Engine's been repaired, then....

 

So this doesn't get lost, the need for a steam loco at the S&CR is still on the cards....

 

What size/power class is needed?

 

Pity the "Galloping Alice" project went belly-up. A 2-6-0 with 4'-0" drivers would've heen just the ticket for a heritage line.

 

It never really got off the ground. Not sure why. A regulator handle was made and that was a bout it - that's since long disappeared though.

 

Ideally something Austerity sized, but willing to see what's out there.

 

Shall we just say that the track record of the S&CR today inspires confidence in a way which simply didn't exist way back when that project (proto-project?) was being floated?

10-ish years ago, there was no shortage of enthusiastic ideas .... as the old website (remember that?) reflected rather too clearly! The current online presence of the S&CR is simply streets ahead.

For the record, my own leanings towards the weird and wonderful means I'd be more likely to home in on (M&SWJR precursor company) the SM&AJR's 0-4-4T single Fairlie .... but I'm strange like that!

 

Have enquiries been made about Lambton Tank no. 29 on the NYMR? It doesn't see too much use during the peak season? Just an idea.

 

We haven't as yet, but I'm sure (a few pages back in this thread) someone mentioned it was needed at the NYMR. I can always check again!

 

I think you're probably right. I don't like to blow my own trumpet, but myself and the small team I have working to re-build a somewhat poor reputation has been working. I'm biased, sure - but we do a bloody good job when it comes down to it.

 

Credit where credit is due ..... that's a very fine line you've built youselves there.

Recalling appeals elsewhere for period-appropriate bricks and other appropriate materials, is there any putative design for Cricklade Station as yet?

 

I think with 813 and Welsh Guardsman out of the eqation for this year it's really shrunk the pool at a time when loads of railways are looking for something to hire in!

The only place that comes to mind is that the Aln Valley have Austerity no.60, Hudswell Clarke PLA Richboro and also HC Jennifer - and I think all 3 are currently operational. Maybe they'd be willing to loan one out?

 

Depends on ownership. I'm sure the Lambton Austerity is still owned by Stephen Wood. Jennifer is on loan from Llangollen but I don't know what the ownership of Richboro is.

 

No 60 is currently in use by the Aln Valley Railway and was running on Sunday. Richboro is owned by the Aln Valley Railway and serviceable as far as I know. Jennifer is no longer owned by the Llangollen Railway and is on long term loan to the Aln Valley Railway. She is currently undergoing a repaint and minor maintenance, currently serviceable.