Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

Sad to hear if true being the NVR is local to me and be a massive lose for the NVR.

 

Where is elsewhere?

 

Prematurely announced gala visitor? Seeing as the vast majority of the people who look after it live in the home counties, I doubt moving it that far away is viable. Even the NNR was a trek!

 

Knowoing the involvement of @Spamcan81 with 92 Squadron, I'd not believe anything on this that he hadn't confirmed.

 

Yes, quite. Perhaps @misspentyouth62 would care to cite the source?

 

Like you, I wondered if it might be visiting 14 - 16 March 2025 for their - https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/legends-of-steam/

 

Sorry - I should have eluded more in my initial post.

I'd picked up that 34081 has been tagged on 4/12 with the following message on the train logger system that records where each loco is preserved - it doesn't mean it's true though, hence me asking my question here.

'34081 Will be leaving the NVR and moving to the East Lancashire Railway to become a permanent resident' (I am not familiar with the user on train logger who has added this against 34081 however).

 

ELR Chairman's blog circulated today confirms the move of 92 Sq to ELR.

sunnie

Sent from my SM-P610 using Tapatalk

 

https://elrchairman.wordpress.com/2024/12/05/news-from-the-boardroom-november-december-2024/

Partnership Announcement – Locomotive 34081

We are delighted to announce that the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has entered into a partnership with the Battle of Britain Locomotive Society (BBLS) for the future care and operation of Locomotive 34081. This renowned locomotive will soon be joining our heritage line as part of its operational transition.

Key Details: Reason for Move: Due to dwindling volunteer numbers and limited facilities at its current location, the BBLS Board decided that ELR’s expertise and facilities provide the best opportunity for securing 34081’s future.

Arrival Timeline: Locomotive 34081 is expected to arrive at ELR before Christmas, aiming to support Santa Special duties.

Partnership Overview: While BBLS will retain ownership and remain an independent organization, ELR will oversee the operational management of 34081.

We are honored to be entrusted with the care of this historic locomotive, and we extend our gratitude to BBLS for selecting ELR as its new home. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preserving railway heritage and ensuring the continued operation of iconic machines like 34081.

Please join us in warmly welcoming 34081 and in making this transition as seamless as possible. Together, we’ll ensure that 34081 continues to captivate railway enthusiasts and visitors for years to come.

 

Yep, 34081 is on the move. We weren’t saying anything until we’d informed our members but one or two people have jumped the gun.
Putting it simply, we don't have the manpower to tackle another overhaul and even if we had, we’d be behind other locos in the overhaul queue at Wansford and our team - mostly over 70 - isn’t enamoured with the idea of tackling a long drawn out overhaul in the open air. We certainly don’t have the finances to send it away to Rileys* so a partnership with a third party suits us. End of an era and a sad goodbye to our friends at the NVR but the future of the loco has to come first.

*Other engineering firms are available

 

I'm just pleased to see that you've been able as a group to be proactive in this decision, and find a suitable home.

 

A bit surprised that there wasn't anywhere closer to the NVR that it could've gone to, especially with the context of this ^

Not that I have a problem with it and I totally understand the reasoning for the move, just it does seem like it solves one problem (securing the future of the loco) but causes another (puts it far away from BBLS volunteers, even it those numbers are getting smaller)

 

Of course, this means the NVR will no longer have a large locomotive on its home fleet. Unless of course, you count 45 041 as that large locomotive.

It also means no more coffees in the 92 Squadron shop with @Spamcan81!

 

It’s a shame from my point of view. The East Lancs is too far for me to drive in a day, whereas the NVR is a relatively short trip up the A1.

 

Just have to have a beer in Charters instead.

 

Wasn’t an easy decision but we have a duty to keep the loco operational where possible. We’re not the only owning group facing the problem of a declining and ageing workforce. Different groups will seek different solutions. We’ve gone for one that we think secures a working future for 34081.

 

I completely agree - and what impresses me is that you've embraced that rather than imagining it'll never happen.

 

I'd overlooked 73050 - although that won't be ready for a good while. I wonder if the chaps owning 6880 could find use for her at the NVR for a while?.

 

One has to face reality. Those who were in at the begging are in their late 70s and early 80s. Those of us who joined in once she’d left Barry are early to mid 70s and there’s not too many in our ranks who are much younger - not actively involved anyway. Without another wave of willing helpers and some at least with the the necessary experience, we were looking at the distinct possibility of 34081 becoming a static exhibit. Some of us will still be involved with the upkeep of the loco, just not on a weekly basis as has been the case.