Bluebell Motive Power

In that period, the number plate represented the physical manifestation of the locomotive in the capital stock list. So when an old loco was replaced by a new one, the number plate transferred. In the case of Stepney, the new No. 55 was a Billinton B4 - if you look at the photo of No. 55 here, you can see it has the oval numberplate, as do others in the class.

https://www.lbscr.org/Rolling-Stock/Locomotives/R.J.Billinton/B4.xhtml

Where the old locos continued to exist (rather than be sold or scrapped) they entered a duplicate list. The LBSCR had several such lists but by time Stepney was retired, the scheme was to add 600 to the number; hence Stepney became 655. At one point, the duplicate numbers were painted on oval wooden number plates, possibly (supposition alert!) to avoid needing to retouch the paintwork when the original number plate was removed. Later, the numbers were just painted directly onto the loco, as here:


Fenchurch of course was never duplicated, being sold directly out of service to the Newhaven Harbour Co.

As for colours: it is hard to interpret on old film, but I’d noticed the pale shade. I believe that number plates in the early Stroudley era were a very pale blue, which changed to a darker shade later. The number plate on “Gladstone” is a dark Oxford blue, whereas I believe the early shade was a pale sky blue.

Tom

 

The 600 prefix was added at Duplication from 1900 onwards, so well into the Billinton era and some locos not being renumbered until they received Marsh Umber Brown. Looks like Tom beat me to it.

The numbers on Fenchurch look like vinyl stick on ones, so I'd say they are temporary until a new set of cast plates are made. I'm sure with all that's been going on, the last thing anyone worried about was the number plates.

 

I'd seen the picture of Stepney that Tom posted above and I assumedit had been renumbered around the Robert Billinton era and prior to Umber being applied. The numberplates aren't a worry for me, I was just curious as it was something different and wondered if there was a historical prescent for it, especially after those pics Tom posted earlier.

Regardless, I've been really looking forward to Fenchurch emerging in Stroudley Improved Green livery and can't wait to get down the line when the loco is fully back in service.

 

I was picking you up on the spelling. Its Billinton not Billington. ...and yes I made the same mistake too and was chastised for it.

Agreed on your last sentiment. It will be nice to have a 'Brighton' loco back on the line.

 

I've gone back and edited them, it happened to before with Bulleid too, but i've stuck to it since.

 

Great having a few more tank engines (big or small) on the line.
Tender engines are all well and good, but it's the little guys you appreciate more.

 

Ah well you'll be glad then that AIUI, the H class has entered the works and is in the process of being stripped for overhaul.

Tom

 

HOORAY!!!
More Chatham power!!!

 

263 went in the works towards the end of October, the boiler is already out of the frames as of last week.

 

I checked at the weekend - as you suggest, they are awaiting cast number plates, so the current numbers are temporary.

They are, though, correctly sign written - not vinyls!

Tom

 

I stand corrected! Thank you. I take my hat off to the individual for sign writing that, knowing it will only be temporary. Let's hope Fenchurch is blessed with a long and satisfactory time in service, especially after the effort put into the overhaul.

 

Having a look through the LSWR 'Black Book' for the 1890's (on the SWC website - members only) is the following:
"David Smith. Registered Number 9298. Fireman at Twickenham. Joined 7/1885. Fireman 3/1890.
Jan 15 1891. Report 18,635. Fined 2/6. Keys lost No. 488 Engine."
(For the junior class, 2 shillings and 6 pence became 12½p in 1971.)
Pat

 

Keys for a steam engine? What do they have?
(I am now envisaging a large mahogany brass-cornered box using Mr Marconi's latest technology to effect a key fob that can be activated upto several feet away to allow the busy engineman to have a keyless start-up).

 

padlock on toolbox perhaps?

 

Is that why it doesn't work anymore, they just need a new key cut?

 

There are number of miscreants recorded in the 'Black Book' who have either lost the keys, or broken the padlock, to the toolboxes. Presumably they were issued from the Loco. Stores when the crew signed on, together with the oils &c.
Another sin is revealed to be delay in returning 'coal tickets'. I know from reading extracts of C H Eden's diary that he recorded quite definite quantities of coal taken on, and the colliery of origin (presumably from looking over his driver's shoulder!) There must have been an army of clerks to keep supplied with data.
Pat

 

The overhaul of SECR H-class No. 263 started late last year. It is planned that it should receive a rapid turn-around in view of the generally good condition of the boiler, and recent significant mechanical work. It does require new crown girders and tubes, new tyres and new springs. It is also expected that we will need to fit a new cylinder block. The work is to be funded by a grant from the Bluebell Railway Trust, in part thanks to a bequest left by Ray Tanner specifically for work on this locomotive.

A new web page has been created to cover reports of the work on the locomotive as it progresses.

Tom

 

Website has recently been updated to reflect the withdrawal of Q-class No. 30541 from traffic.

 

Oh b#gg#r

One of my favourite locomotives of all time.

I often had hoped she pay least a weekend visit to Swanage as she was formally a local to line in the 50's.

At least I seen her 3 times while she was working at the Bluebell self. Better than nothing.

 

It does suggest though, that consideration could be given to the possibility of a rapid repair and a new ticket, although it needs a new tender tank and new tyres and