GWR 28XX MHR

does anyone know on any progress on the boiler of 31806 at chatham?

the locos frames are done and i dont expect sitting around is doing them any good. If the boiler isn't back by now then the chances of it returning to service this year are very slim.

The boiler overhaul seems to be taking a very long time seeing as it was expected to be back around christmas 2007. (check MHN 133 or 132 cant remeber which). If they ar hoping to get 5 years out of it before JB takes it away then they dont look as though they are going to get it.

It looks like the loco shortage at MHR is likely to continue. Why was 34007 hired in in 2007 when they already had nearly 5 locos in service whereas in 2008 and now in 2009 there are barely enough locos to cover service requirements.

Swanage keep more locos in service and their loco requirements are much much less.....

 

Getting back on topic it's gone a bit quiet regarding 5224. Any news on her arrival and first runs?

 

With due respect I would think that Swanages loco requirements would probably be greater as they are one of the few railways that run daily from March through to November (ish) time. The MHR runs less days and is not as busy as Swanage so they will have more time for maintenance etc.

 

Should arrive on Tuesday/Wednesday with a gauging test on Thursday? This coming weekend 23rd/24th May 34007 & 60019 are booked to work. But this could always change at some point over next week.

 

Thanks for that. I'm off work Thursday and Friday for the loco moves to Eastleigh amongst other things so will try and fit in a visit to the MHR to see if 5224 is in action. I noticed that the MHR loco roster has been updated and 5224 is mainly working on weekdays in June and July (Footplate courses?). She is booked to run during the War on the Line event on the 13th/14th which I will be visiting anyway.

 

Are locos getting from the MHR and Swanage etc by road or rail? If by rail might take some photographs...although I doubt they will be

 

Let's hope when 5224 turns up she will be facing smoke box out of Alresford.

 

They're all going by rail. I'm going with 850 in light steam.

 

Wow! Any idea when??

 

The timings to Eastleigh are on uksteam and have also been discussed on the Eastleigh 100 thread. We're leaving Alton on Thursday at 14+21 and then for the return trip leaving Eastleigh Works on the following Wednesday at 10+22.

 

5224 has now arrived:

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/images/sc19e09a.jpg

 

Any times for when they will be moved from Ropley up to Alton? I guess a Class 33 will be used for this movement.

 

Anyone know which way round she is?

 

Can't be certain, because she's still on the lorry, but the picture linked above suggests she'll face east, i.e. chimney-first out of Alresford.

Since Nellie will be in steam for the movement, maybe she'll pull the others up from Ropley?

 

Ouch, that safety valve bonnet could do with a bit (or a lot) of brasso and elbow grease!

 

I did wonder about this but 850 is only supposed to be in "light Steam". I wondered if the service train engine 34007/60019 might do the honours?

 

I did wonder about this but 850 is only supposed to be in "light Steam". I wondered if the service train engine 34007/60019 might do the honours?[/quote:gke8szwj]
I've been told we need to be at Alton by 13+30. Hopefully we'll be using 850 to haul 35005/41312 there, no reason why not.

 

I last cleaned that safety valve bonnet when i was up at the moors last year and it took awhile to clean it 8-[ :-#

 

Looking at the photo of her the rods could also do with a clean.
:-# :-#

 

Theres a nice job for you and Dave Franklin then Lee, you know you will enjoy it a totally ACE job.

Regards
Chris