Industrial Loco Updates

Rsh 'Ugly'

Are any of the Uglies in ticket? they might fancy a Holiday on the NYMR if their bridge doesnt get fixed a, 5F tank would be ideal

 

The NYMR had an "Ugly", No. 62, for a few weeks back in the 80s. I don't think they were sorry to see it go and I don't think they'd want another!

 

Wasn't that easy to find through Google so here it is: http://www.srpssteam.com/ALOA.htm

Phil

 

No.56 at Ruddington is in ticket.

Phil

 

I saw "68005" on an Allelys transporter this morning in Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire. It was heading west along the A4136, so into the Forest of Dean. I assume it was on its way to either the DFR or the Flour Mill?

 

I believe its on its way to the Flour Mill for overhaul

 

More work has taken place on Avonside 1563, now to be known as 'John Paton' rather than 'Millom'. The frames have seen plenty of attention from grinders and sanders and, having had 3 coats of Craftsmaster undercoat are now sporting a Craftsmaster topcoat of Indian Red. Also in conjuction with this the loco has been lifted off its wheels for attention to the axleboxes and investigating evidence of excessive wear in the brasses. A new smokebox wrapper has also arrived, but will have to go into store pending work on the boiler which will include a new front tubeplate.

 

Milestone for Dubsey

Tubes ordered - due for delivery in Oct. We hope to hydraulic and steam before the winter. Shed loads still to do including fitting the new smokebox, machining the new side rod bearings and a small matter of the cylinder - still onwards and upwards !.

 

A friend of mine tells me that '68005' has been sold and was seen on a low loader? I assume this is the '68005' formerly at Embsay - ie the Swalwell RSH one - anyone got any ideas where it's off to?

 

I see that the South Devon Railway have sold Austerity "Sapper" as well

http://www.sdronline.org.uk/News.php

anyone know where it's off to?

 

Yes, but if SDR aren't telling on their website, I probably oughtn't to either, but it will be a good home who will do a good job on it and love it. Hopefully all will soon be made clear. Sorry if you think I'm playing a game, I'm just trying to respect the new owners.

 

Probably shouldn't have said that Anthony, you know you'll be lambasted for it! lol

 

Farewell Fonmon - 26th & 27th September

The Spa Valley's gutsy little Peckett 0-6-0ST No. 1636 'Fonmon' is due to bow out of traffic over the weekend of the 26th & 27th September, at the end of her ten year boiler ticket.

The little engine is being withdrawn after 12 years extensive service on the railway to receive a well earned overhaul.

All the footplate staff at 75F want to given one our favourite engines the send off she deserves and so this weekend will be dedicated to her. The weekend will see Fonmon haul what is normally the morning diesel service on her own before she teams up with one of the railway's other engines to double head services for the remainder of the day.

All the crews will be out for one last go on the old girl so expect some impressive displays and the other engine not to be helping too much!!!

Finally Fonmon's final trip on Sunday will be full of a few surprises so make sure you're there to witness her final trip for some time.

Matt

 

TKh Spartan

The main components of the Spa Valley's polish TKh are now assembled on the engine and everything is receiving numerous coats of fresh paint. The cab looks pretty smart with its final top coats applied and all the little bits are now going back on.

I am hoping that the engine will start running in towards the end of this year so that it can assist on the railway's winter services.

Matt

 

Had a good day with Cranford No2 At the RRM today, worked like a dream all day! As a Bagnall should!! Also Mr D has clocked up some more miles and her first freight turns with the hopper train.

 

I visited the Quarry day at Cottesmore on sunday for the first time.I was quite impressed by the friendliness of everyone I met and amazed at what has been achieved there.It was very informative and well worth a visit for anyone interested in our industrial heritage. My pictures are up at

http://steamgalore.fotopic.net/c1755251.html

 

Thanks Steam Galore got some great pictures there! Glad you enjoyed it as I know I did, much better than up and down with the old DMU car we used to have....just terrible! We hope to have more of the same and better next year. Also a Photo to wet anyone elses appettite!

 

68005 has been purchased by a member of the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, the 'Mog' is now at the Flour Mill receiving attention with the aim of returning the pussy cat to steam by April 2010. The loco will be the home based loco at teh PBR and will work the majority of the timetabled steam days next year. The loco will loose its BR guise as 68005 and return to a more appropriate industrial (NCB) livery.

Watch this space. The sound of an Austerity will soon resound around the valleys again.

Alex

 

Is "68005" not going to go back to her authentic livery then? She looked gorgeous in fully lettered out maroon with Mech Navies on the side - http://geoff-plumb.fotopic.net/p42640760.html

If anyone can persuade the new owners to put it back to original condition I'm sure I can pretty much guarentee at least one gala booking!

 

The owners have their heart set on NCB blue. There is nothing stopping the loco receiving a repaint for the second half of its ticket. Where would the gala booking be? The loco would be available for gala's although it is predominantly a home based loco to handle passenger traffic ont he PBR.

Alex