6880 Betton Grange

Thank you!, it is quite something when you realise that there are 119 years between the entry into service of those two locos. The acceleration on board was something special when 2807 opened up too!

 

I'll be seeing 2807's shed mate, 3850 on Saturday .

 

A few pictures from the Betton Grange photo charter on
Wednesday

 

I only managed to get the loco on the return of its first train on Saturday at Quorn (admittedly we told not to try and join, but several people got off where I stood and stood in the BG) and then a run from Loughborough to Leicester North, before getting off and swapping to 3850 at Rothley. On the run from Loughborough I was lucky to get a seat in the coach behind the loco with an open top light and although it wasn't given much chance to, when the loco was opened up it did make a fantastic noise.

 

My only experience behind her to date is on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Rly where it really didn't have to work very hard, but gave some glimpses of its glorious bark and rapid acceleration.
I watched a YouTube video of it on the West Somerset, the sound effects there were fantastic.
I know it's off to Toddington permanently, but I hope it gets to honour it's missed commitment to the Severn Valley. With a decent load, Eardington bank (or run up to Bewdley tunnel) & an enthusiastic crew - you have the ingredients for something rather good there!

 

On the very, very cold Saturday at the Winter Warmer Battlefield Line Gala, 6880 gave some very loud departures. Her run with 2807 was very enjoyable, both for aural reasons, and a rapid acceleration .

 

For those that haven't seen, the Grange is going back to to where the project began at Llangollen, for it's Branch Line Gala on April 11th-13th.

The loco will also be attending the Bluebell's Giants of Steam event on October 17-19, which aims to be the largest gathering of new builds so far, it'll be joining 60163 Tornado, 2999 Lady of Legend and 32424 Beachy Head from the homefleet.

Looking forward to another chance to see the loco again after my little taster at the GCR.

 

Just been announced it'll be returning to North Norfolk Railway from July to September 2025

 

Great to see it getting high utilisation, must be doing wonders for the funding towards the tender completion!

Chris

 

I am a bit confused, as I was under the impression it was taking up residence at Toddington?

 

I think Toddington is it’s “home railway” but it can go out elsewhere for hire/long term running. A bit like 7812 calls the SVR home I guess

 

I suppose that could be its winter base.

 

It is, but much like 7820 particularly at the beginning of its ticket spending a whole summer at Paignton or Minehead as it did for 3 years or so.

Sent from my PGT-N19 using Tapatalk

 

I seem to recall seeing that GWSR is OK for power this summer, but when 7903 and 35006 get withdrawn it likely becomes a bit more critical- hence handy have 6880 about?

Chris

 

The loco's Facebook page says that the North Norfolk visit finalises the loco's 2025, so looks like the loco should still see plenty of action at it's new home railway.

 

Slightly off thread, but regarding home railways; about 20 years ago someone published an on line list of the locations for all preserved steam locos.
It's way out of date now (eg 6880 was listed as Llangollen).
I there a current version available anywhere please?

 

There was a magazine I flicked through in W.H. Smiths a couple of months back (I think produced by Steam Railway) that claimed to do that, but with all the moves these days probably out of date before it was printed.
This may help but not sure you can print a list
https://www.heritage-railways.com/locosdb/locos.php

 

Very difficult to keep fully up to date, but shouldn't be too far out of date.