6880 Betton Grange

Why post this?

 

Would have been be a good option for the Shakespeare runs while 4965 is being overhauled/converted.

 

Is the GWSR agreement not this? Is it a set fee per day and that is that?

 

Why would VT pay steaming fees to a third party when they have their own locomotives?

 

Are they getting the use of Bahamas for free then?

 

Correct.

 

How many trips has that loco done? Why do you think that up to this year it had to come down to Southall to get work?

 

It previously went to Southall because that was where the BLS thought they had the best chance of earning money on the main line. It is now spending time at Tyseley, probably for the same reason.

How many trips did it do last year? Not many, as @Pete Thornhill correctly says. However, you asked why would VT pay steaming fees to a third party when they have their own locomotives? I simply point out, in answer to your question, it seems they are not averse to doing so from time to time (including the Shap Mountaineer next March). None of which is relevant to 6880 unless and until it goes main line.

 

From time to time doesn’t justify the expense of all the necessary equipment and paperwork needed for main line running. You also appear to have no idea of the of the commitment in manpower in preparation and support crew for each trip.

 

Obviously the BLS have been left in a hole by recent developments and it appears that VT are willing to make limited use of their loco on the main line, despite your questioning why they would when they have the two Castles available (at least until next year). That level of use will clearly not be enough to meet the needs of the BLS. Whether they will go for another main line overhaul if things continue as they are, only they can say, but it will be a tough decision when it comes.

I may not be a member of their support crew, but as a shareholder in Vintage Trains TOC and a member of the Friends of Vintage Trains, I have a very good idea of the cost and commitment involved in main line running thanks.

Much of the recent discussion probably belongs in the Vintage Trains thread rather than 6880 if the Mods feel a move is worthwhile.

 

I am a member of BLS and volunteered at Southall as the bulk of the support crew are from the north but it’s not for me to comment on their future plans. I was just pointing out that the Betton Grange group are wise not to commit themselves to mainline running yet even if they do have the funds and resources to do it.

 

Thanks and understood. I totally agree about the 'non-commitment' approach taken by the 6880 Group. The 82045 Fund of which I am a member looked at the mainline but have taken a similar approach.

 

I think they would find even more difficulty with restrictions on speed, load and distance between water so a sensible decision.

 

I saw my first 'Grange' at Shackerstone on January 11th, she's a credit to all involved, a great loco.

 

Thanks for posting Lee.

 

It would be nice to see the following steam chest drain cocks sorted, they've been like that since it went into traffic

 

Perhaps they'll get looked at properly once she's at her home railway.

 

Great photo on a very cold day! 2807 was also present, as your photo shows. 2807 is now back at Toddington GWSR for some more winter maintenance before heading off to the West Somerset Railway for a little while.