Bluebell Railway General Discussion

A few possibilities occur, only one of which is that one of the team is better employed in doing their damndest to buck the odds and get the loco ready, rather than fannying about pronouncing doom and gloom online.

 

Yeah maybe but sure someone said the boiler not even in the frames yet. She might not be in one piece in two weeks time, let alone running.

 

Having seen a contact on Instagram upload a photo this morning. The boiler still isn't in the frames yet.

 

I assume you mean this one?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CgB5W7DsOcs/

 

D4106 booked to run all three services on Sunday - Tuesday due to the hot weather.

 

Whilst diesels aren't of much interest to me, this does raise a point for diesel use on the railway going forward.

The 33 was bought, in part, to deal with fire risks such as now, as well as being a thunderbird loco and the introduction of the diesel services at the start and end of operating days. However Bluebell News arrived today and the editor mentions not knowing when these services will begin or what will haul them, due to the 33 still being worked on and while the 09 has been used before and again shortly, presumably longer term it's perhaps not the best diesel loco to cover if the 33 is unavailable.

 

I did see it mentioned (can't remember where now sadly) that various diesel loco owners have been approached about hiring a loco to the line but no one has agreed.

 

Class 33s have a very well known reputation for rust. The joke is that BRCW stands for Birmingham Rust and Corrosion Works. Anyone doing work on a class 33 should expect to find far, far more rust than they expected. I'm sure the owners of 33052 had been expecting to find plenty of rust but they probably found more than they could have possibly imagined

 

Seriously? I’m really surprised that someone like the DTG or 50 Alliance wouldn’t have the resources to send something down to Sussex for a few months.
Something like the Clayton or the Warship could be a big draw if marketed properly

 

Clayton is at CPRR, Warship is having a repaint and other work. A couple of 50s out of action long term, another pair on mainline duties. 33 being overhauled. Class 46 failed yesterday with a battery fire. Doesn't leave many locos for the SVR's normal services, let alone a full diesel service.

 

How long would it take enough crews to pass out on whatever type of diesel that may be sent down to be able top operate a reliable service?
I have no idea but it is not just like sending a random steam loco down is it.

 

Same goes for Class 104 DMUs..

 

It’s not that difficult, have a driver on that signs the traction and someone who can act as conductor.
As an example how many crews on the Bluebell were passed for Deltics before 9 and 19 visited a few years ago?

 

I think a gala is easier than regular running. You can always find a conductor for a few turns over a weekend, but what about on a Wednesday mid week? You start putting a disproportionate load on a very small number of people, even more than normal. Don’t forget midweek running involves, for many people, taking time off work, i.e. using up precious and limited leave.

Tom

 

Probably a day in the classroom and around the loco to learn about it followed by a few training runs under close personal supervision of someone competent to drive the loco. This then followed up by a theoretical exam and a practical exam when the candidate feels competent to undertake them. This assumes that the candidate is already a qualified driver on another form of traction.

 

Our diesel training starts from the candidate being already a Driver as Steve says. This always means qualified for steam because that is what we are trained and competent in. Also diesel driving is always an individual choice reflecting our previous steam only practice.
With the Gronk there was no classroom element, they are pretty simple and easy to learn to drive. I had an Inspector sit in the cab with me for a day's rostered shunt, then I was good to go. Anything else you need to know is in a manual in the cab.
Up til now all our mainline diesels have been hired in so the traction conversion was the briefest it could be consistent with safe and efficient operation. That is a walk round, then practical experience of handling the loco under the eye of a qualified Inspector and awareness of documentation about the engine.
I was passed for the visiting 33, Swordfish and drove it on spoil trains and also stood in for a failed steamer. Great fun.
Our Loco Superintendent who is also part of the owning group for Ashford is keen to have a more thorough training plan with more focus on faults and failures. I expect it will draw on existing BR traction training. This will help protect the group's asset and operate the engine in the best way.
I'm looking forward to it myself. I'm sure I can pass on any insights to Mr James.
Edit: missing word

 

The Bluebell has officially said on it's Facebook page that Fenchurch will not be completed in time for the gala, though it will be on display in the running shed.

Timetable is due to be available shortly.

 

It sounds as though this was well outside the Railway's sphere of control. "Difficulties obtaining raw materials and parts" suggests that this was a knock-on from the current global supply chain problems. As others have said "It's ready when it's ready", and Fenchurch does have a historical penchant for turning up late to his own birthdays!
Presumably the prerogative of being the most senior Terrier?

 

They've also just announce no trains beyond Horsted Keynes tomorrow - SP to HK only.

 

I feel they should made that announcement earlier it look very misleading.