Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Thanks for the great sum up.

1618 is a belting engine, I do hope I am around to see it in steam again.

 

+1, Dad had the big poster of it on his office wall growing up, cannot wait!

 

I hope it won't be too long into the future before work begins to restore 80100 to working order. The poor engine has had to wait almost 47 years so far for its turn to come, having been pushed down the restoration queue firstly by the arrival of now-departed 80064 and then by 80151.

I will admit to having a personal soft spot for this engine because I lived for three years in Gloucestershire near a now-closed line (Gloucester- Ross-on-Wye- Hereford) over which 80100 worked. This, of course, proves the point that 80151, which spent its entire working life operating out or BR(S) sheds, including Brighton, is a more appropriate engine for the Bluebell. At the Giants of Steam gala, I spoke to someone (can't remember who) who told me that 80100's future may now be nothing more than a source of spares for 80151. I hope not, given what useful engines the 4MT tanks are. I thought the plan was for the 84030 group to move on to 80100 as their next project after the 2MT's restoration is complete. Maybe priorities have changed, but if any group was to come forward saying it wanted to tackle 80100 when some of these other projects are complete, I for one would certainly be willing to make a financial contribution to its restoration. It would be a sad irony if the Mid Hants' 80150, one of the two 4MT tanks in Barry in the worst condition (the other being 80072) was to enjoy a working future whereas 80100, in somewhat better condition, misses out.

 

Also a favourite of mine, as it first worked on the LTSR and stayed until the end of steam on the line.

 

A few years back there was talk of it going into the Steamworks as an exhibit showing how locos were when they left Barry in a bid to tell a part of the story that is actually quite often overlooked. It would cost quite a lot to restore I've no doubt and some might argue that money would be better spent on something that is more unique amid the railway collection.

Whether that is still the case or not I do not know. I'd imagine if someone came along with the money to do it, then that would be seriously considered.

 

I seem to remember being told that 80100 had asbestos and to avoid going near it when working in the Up Yard at Horsted. I might be confusing it with the now departed Yank Tank (30064), which definitely had asbestos, but I’m sure it was more than one engine.

 

I recall one of the previous chairmen stating that the railway had turned down some offers for it, around the time the Bluebell began disposing of some of its stock a few years back, and think he mentioned it being used for spares, but things might have changed since then.

 

First off-site visit for Beachy Head announced today on Facebook - to Didcot, 23-25 May.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/183tAzrDjQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Tom

 

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