Didcot Railway Centre

The Class 31 at Didcot appears to be very incongruous to the rest of their collection, be interested to know how/why it has ended up there?

 

It's privately owned, and is now in the middle of a repaint into BR blue.

Regarding the roster, the 31 was certainly out on the main running line at the weekend, so possibly the photo on the left is the main running line and the right hand picture is the branch, but I wouldn't rely on it. It shows both the 31 and the Castle out at the weekend, with the steam seemingly on the branch.

 

Some time recently I saw that the GWR railcar would be running tomorrow (24 July) but I can't now see anything about it on the website. Anyone know?

 

I can answer my own question. A page that wou;dn't load last night now does load
https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/93/locomotive-roster

 

Latest news from Didcot Railway Centre. <BJ>

Steam Legends Unite at Didcot Railway Centre: 'Flying Scotsman' and 'Pendennis Castle' Together Again!

''We are excited to announce that we will be welcoming back the iconic Flying Scotsman to Didcot Railway Centre to star alongside Pendennis Castle. On the 100th anniversary of their first meeting, we are beyond thrilled to bring them together again''.

Steam Days on 24-26, 28, 31 May - Pre-booking essential

Rivals Reunited – Pendennis Castle & Flying Scotsman - Steam Days | Didcot Railway Centre

 

What chance of some severe otoplasty followed by a repaint in the interests of authenticity?!!

 

When I looked at the web page on Friday I thought I saw something to the effect that the two locos would be double-heading on the demonstration line. I now can't see that. Did I dream it?

 

You didn't dream it, I also read that, but it has now disappeared and the wording changed to "at various times during the day, you'll be able ride in vintage coaches behind both locomotives on our main demonstration."

 

Thank you. Double heading did seem seriously OTT for that operation.

 

Mind you should be amusing to see Flying Scot double heading with Fawley 31, somewhat the little and large of it

 

Would be very symbolic, though, given the McAlpine connections of both locos!

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I'm not sure whether Fawley 31 is in working order at the moment; I certainly haven't seen it in the running shed recently.

I think there's a plan to have her on display with 4472, but possibly only on a static basis.

 

Fantastic news from Didcot Railway Centre. <BJ>

Congratulations to Richard Croucher from all at DRC for the award of his MBE that was announced today.

Richard Croucher MBE said ' I feel honoured and humbled to received the MBE which I also regard as an honour for the Great Western Society and its work and what has been achieved at Didcot over the years and everyone who has been part the team.

Well deserved !

 

A rather interesting post on Didcot's Facebook today page regarding 6023. A little while back Trackside magazine were reporting that Dodcot was looking at potentially letting outside parties take on the overhauls of 6023 and the Steam Railmotor.

 

Would be fantastic if somebody is going to take on the overhaul of 6023 and we finally get to see her running at 75mph!

 

It would be even better to see Firefly working again

 

It's very odd as in the latest Echo, which only came in the post about a week ago, there was a very short piece asking members to get in touch via the Editor with opinions/thoughts as to the best approach to the loco's future.

Seems rather pointless lip service if they had already decided what they were going to do.

Albeit it was nice to actually read something about the loco fleet for a change, there is an extensive piece each edition on the coaching stock but locomotive info is very scarce.

 

Either that or its a red herring - 2409 "King George" is on loan to Ribble Steam Railway at present and is due to return in 2026. They are also the base for Well Tank 0-4-0WT No. 48 "The King" as well so unless its a red herring for that to be a visitor for some point in 2026.

 

From what I have heard, the broad gauge track would also need considerable work before anything could run on it.