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

 

Find it strange that the T3 has not gone to Bluebell and Beachy Head has not come to us at Swanage

 

I have heard the Atlantic group would like Beachy Head to visit Swanage but it enters the works for various maintenance jobs after the O1 and will not be available for Swanage Gala and also misses the Bluebells Spring Gala.

 

I’m sure it will happen at some point soon, but it just didn’t work out this time round because Beachy Head is out for maintenance. The T3 with some of the non corridor coaches would make a fine sight .

 

Coming back to this point, I think the article in the last issue of Trackside didn't mention overhaul, it said the railway was looking for offers to display the loco. (As I recall, it was a month ago when I read it).

In the current issue, just out, it says that agreement has been reached for the loco to go on display at the Severn Valley Railway, in the Engine House there.

I haven't seen it announced in Bluebell circles, but I assume they must have a proper source for their story.

Tom

 

For those of you on Facebook (and possibly those who are not), another update from the SR Coach Group, covering the retrim of Bulleid 2526, 100 seater 971, the Restaurant Car 7864 and work helping the wagon group on the two petrol wagons - plus of course the inevitable quality control inspections by Scooty.

https://www.facebook.com/SR.coach.g...3ptvqXn3jgf3LHFAnmZ24cG8XMREC2szRTUqddMni6Scl

Tom

 

Speaking of coaches. Maunsell 1309 will be withdrawn for overhaul after the Spring Gala. That will be people's last opportunity to ride in it and see it run till it is overhauled.

 

1309 has done very well - it’s pretty much been in constant service since it first entered traffic on the Bluebell in 1984. Certainly shows why older coaches can be better to run than Mk1s, as they don’t suffer from the same corrosion problems. Be a shame to see it go, but hopefully it will be a quick overhaul.

 

To show the GW set how you can recreate a lost loco without wrecking half a dozen more in the process?

 

Transport by road or over NR?

 

Well the last bit will certainly have to be over NR.

 

Just seen the Severn Valley have confirmed on their Facebook page that 9017 will be moving there for display and will be sending 7819 Hinton Manor to take it's place in Aberystwyth.