Bluebell Motive Power

Loco roster updated for July https://www.bluebell-railway.com/locomotive-roster/

Seems Fenchurch will not be making its birthday bash after all

 

Someone may need to tell the Facebook Admin that, as they have been starting to advertise the event and still staying Fenchurch being involved.

By the look of it, it would be a hell of job to get the loco complete in time, going by some pictures I saw from the weekend.

 

An update had appeared on the Bluebell website for Fenchurch's overhaul, boiler has passed it's hydraulic test and fittings are being overhauled and attached with hope of the loco being assembled for display this weekend along with Stepney.

 

The last we had heard was that it would be on display. Is even that now not certain?

 

I read it as "The loco will be on display in whatever condition we can get it in at the time". So if the chassis and boiler were not united, it would still be on display, just looking noticeably less complete.

 

New update on the Bluebell website, that Fenchurch's boiler has passed it's out of frames steam test.

 

Also worth noting the roster has now been updated. 6989 returns to traffic on Monday

 

Given the heatwave I assume this means they've stuck a diesel generator in the tender?

 

Hornby Ringfield motor in the tender I’m led to believe, the DCC sound Chip is to be added later on

 

Some years ago I saw a sort of GA drawing of a steam loco with a pantograph and an immersion heater in the boiler. I think it was in an American publication, It was of course meant as a joke but I suppose they are daft enough to think it could work!

 

No, such things do exist! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric-steam_locomotive

 

One of the Swiss pair survives, though as a conventional steam loco. Ironically, it's based on one of a handful of lines in Switzerland that doesn't have overhead wires!

 

So that's the reason why the Horsted Keynes power supply was upgraded

Regards,

Dan

 

Two hamsters powering the wheel rather than one now?

 

Someone has posted some pictures in the community section of the Bluebell's Facebook page, showing Fenchurch looking close to being fully reassembled and most of it's livery and lining has been applied.

 

Edit: Posted in wrong thread.

 

The loco roster for the month has been updated. 30541 takes the bulk of service this month, 6989 is planned for service over 17th and 18th as well as the Beer Fest the week after with in addition - 72 "Fenchurch" subject to usual caveats. https://www.bluebell-railway.com/locomotive-roster/

 

The Bluebell is offering footplate taster experiences on 27th and 28th September with the chance to drive either the 01 or Fenchurch.

 

Photo on Facebook of Fenchurch in steam at Horsted Keynes.

Tom

 

A picture of Fenchurch in steam at Sheffield Park from yesterday in the weekly Bluebell email newsletter that's just arrived, along with a picture of 73156 on shed with 73082.