66xx no.6695

As already 'leaked' on the WSR 2010 Spring Gala thread, I can confirm that 6695 arrived at Kidderminster on Wednesday (direct from WSR, Bishops Lydeard) and the plan is to get the engine to Bridgnorth over the weekend.

Without wishing to steal SevRail's thunder, it is planned that 6695 will be staying at SVR until after Easter next year and negotiations are taking place around some possible contract maintenance work whilst the engine is there. As the move was somewhat 'last minute' the annual boiler exam will now be done at Bridgnorth vice Swanage. 6695 should return home to Swanage next April.

The visit is in response to a request from SVR to assist with loco cover over the winter/early spring period.

 

Well, it be nice to see that 6695 has pulled some proper carriages rather then the ruddy Mark 1s...

 

Great news - really looking forward to it - Hope I feel a charter coming on - Matt/Martin

 

6695 moving to bridgnorth tonight behind either 4566 or 5764

 

6695 moving to bridgnorth tonight LE with either 4566 or 5764

 

6695 on blood and custards + milk wagon or something similar

 

6695 and a short freight or blood and custards!

 

coal wagons and a steep hill....

 

This kind of thing wont catch on !.

 

no its not very practical as youd have to haul the coal up the hill on its journey from Russia first! Might need TWO 56xx for that trip...

 

I'd like it facing south on the SVR's fantastic collection of freight wagons around Bewdley and the tunnel in the morning and on 4 carmine and cream MK1's in the afternoon - working south from Bridgnorth after lunch.

 

It's nice to see that 6695's visit to the Valley is arousing so much interest. I had fears that she might be seen as 'just another' 56xx visiting, especially after 5643's recent appearance.

As a point of interest 6695 was originally West Midlands based in GWR days, only transferring to South Wales shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, so the livery may not be of the right period (oh no I shouldn't have said that should I?) but she is (sort of) returning home.

 

Well if you can get a decent rake of wagons (LOADED) moved to Bodmin (steep hill) we're game to give it a go! Mind you 8 coaches on Crowcombe & Washford banks sounded pretty good back in March........

 

That's because you were sitting on the back whilst I was firing! I was not aware of what the noise only the gradient and the distance. OK you were driving at Washford! :smt026

 

During preparation for the annual boiler exam 7 broken/cracked copper stays were found on the copper doorplate. Engine is currently in the boilershop having these stays changed, steam test is booked for next week.

All being well engine should be in traffic the following weekend (5th & 6th).

 

Yes Martin, I would be interested in a charter with 6695.
A short milk train would be nice for a change - tank wagons and a Siphon. Dont know if the stock (tanks) are available or even if it is prototypical

Ben

 

I'm planning to be there photographing that weekend. Which way is 6695 facing?

 

Martin,

Subject to availability I would be interested.

Although I can see the attaction of blood and custard mk1s I wouldn't have thought they would be very protoypical for a tank engine/branch line? As brand new coaches in the 1950s they would have been a very rare sight on a branch line. It is unfortunate that there aren't any B sets around and probably the nearest thing to correct B&C coaches are at the South Devon. Can the valley put together a decent BR era freight with appropriate brake van?

Cheers,

 

What? ALL the way?