Loco 76017

Isn’t it funny how people can’t get their head around this and feel they have a right to be informed….

 

... and also that, even *if* there is a clear legal agreement in place, it's not necessarily the best (or cheapest) option to take things to court.

 

Most of us on here have no right to be informed but would like to know more. Mid-Hants volunteers who have given their time working on the loco have a stronger claim.

 

So, Tangmere has left, Southall, returning to Carnforth, and 76017 remains at Southall, Does Southall have the facility to fit the mainline running equipment, so that it can be given an light engine test,followed by a loaded test, and then the engine can be used in 2023, if there are any tours proposed, or will West coast prefer to at some point take it diesel hauled, with additional stops for checks and lubrication, that might not have been in the timetable for one of its mainline pool. ?

 

You're sure it is going mainline then?

76017 would be an ideal loco on many heritage railways and I suspect there would be plenty of willing takers - a more certain income stream and without any expensive up front investment relative to producing a rather under-powered mainline loco.

Tom

 

How many main line trips has 76084 done? Not many, though there were one or two from York to Whitby. There would have to be a specific opportunity such as Cambrian Coast to justify the costs of a main line ticket.

 

Why else, would it go to Southall then? Why wasn't it put on Road transfer at Sheffield park, and taken by road if there is already an destination for it, Or it could have stayed at Sheffield park, and the owner signed a loan deal with the bluebell, or even returned it to the MHR, for it to see its last 4 years out, on an deal that was already existing, and a certain income stream.

 

Reminds me a bit of 73096. While 34016 went North to Carnforth for overhaul, the standard 5 remained at Southall, it's future uncertain until one day it went back to the Mid Hants!

 

Because the owner (or at least one of them) works for WCR and its a secure location under cover where they can store her or work on her to their hearts content whilst what the future holds can be considered, one would imagine that if she stayed at the Bluebell they would want cash for storage and she may not even be able to stay under cover, likewise the MHR or any other railway unless they wanted to hire her.

Also add into the equation if the final preserved line destination next spring is down south there is little point traipsing her up to the north west just to spend more money traipsing her back again, and while it remains possibly unknown leave her where she is.

 

I picked up a copy of Heritage Railway today and according to the article a shareholder passed away, leading to the sale and that the departure was said to have taken place on amicable terms.

 

Now why couldn't someone have said that a few weeks ago?

 

Because - presumably - the new owner felt it was nobody else's business ?

 

And the MHR also thought it wasn’t the business of their members and supporters to be informed?

 

I did. More than once. As to why there was no official announcement, I cannot say.

 

I presume 76017 is still sat at Southall?

 

Yes

 

And all the time, the boiler ticket is ticking away, and its not earning any money towards its next overhaul, sat at Southall doing nothing, and as time goes on, so does the costs as they mount up, Then before you know it the boiler ticket has expired and you are left having to fund the next overhaul , unless you can find some one who will do it for you, I'm not to sure if the Swanage Railway will want another Bunch engine, as they already are struggling to get the N overhauled,

 

Looks like Martin has been on the sauce again

 

Not really. Seems like a reasonable comment to me. The loco isn’t earning its keep sitting still.