MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Is it stated anywhere that they were stored in an area not specifically reserved for the purpose? The quote that you've stated actually shows that storing them outside isn't a mandatory requirement, with the use of the phrase 'if this is not reasonably practicable'. I suspect that just because they were around sufficiently to cause the firefighters concern in tackling the fire doesn't necessarily mean they were being stored in a part of the building used for other purposes.

If that is stated though, I stand to be corrected.

 

With regard to gas bottles. It is far safer to store gas bottles, both full and empty, in a cage outside. Only the bottles actually being used should be inside the workshop. It is a commonsense health and safety issue really.

 

I agree wholeheartedly; simply questioning the statement on 2 bases:-

1. The mandatory requirement; and
2. It being stated that they were not being stored in an area specifically reserved for the purpose.

 

It's not a mandatory requirement, but the phrase 'if this is not reasonably practicable' in this case means 'if there is no room outside', which in the case of Ropley there is. Where a building contains gas cylinders (whether combustible or not), the Fire Brigade will always treat it differently due to safety reasons (would you knowingly enter a building that has potential bombs in it?). If the cylinders were stored outside, they could have been removed from the vicinity of the building and then the Fire Brigade may have deemed it safe enough to go inside and fight the fire, putting it out quicker and possibly saving the building.
I remember a fire training course I was on where one of the trainers told me that the most dangerous room in a house is the bathroom because of all the aerosols stored in it .... they then went on to demonstrate what happens when you place a flame under one ...

 

My references to 'areas specifically reserved for the purpose' was meant for additional information and not in reference to how the MHR were storing them. Apologies for any misunderstanding. If cylinders have a reserved storage area within a building, this information can be given to the attending fire brigade so that they are aware of the exact location of cylinders and can plan accordingly.

 

Anyhow, going back to the good news stories; it is good to hear the shop is getting back to 'as was'. It really is an excellent facility, and the sort of facility to which some other railways should aspire.

 

Indeed!

A top notch boiler restoration workshop, carraige & wagon restoration workshop and engine restoration workshop. Will there be anything that they won't be able to take on soon ? :first:

 

What's the latest on 31806, please? I know she ran light engine up and down the line a couple of Sundays ago, but not heard anything since. TIA

 

I think you will pleasantly surprised this coming Sunday:

Regards
Chris:

 

Any hints on what time I should be there please?

 

here is a link to sundays timetable http://www.watercressline.co.uk/Your-Visit/Timetable

 

Are you sure that 31806 will be out this weekend Chris?

 

Looking on the MHR web site tonight. There is a big step forward on 30850 Lord Nelson.

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/News/Loco/View/421

 

MHR website now says 73096 is on the freight with 92212 on the service train.

 

No, but it ups the speculation ?

Regards
Chris

 

73096 is a very acceptable substitute. Good noise and possibly her last appearance on the goods. 31806 can wait for another day....

 

Personally I'm looking forward to seeing 76096 on the crane formation at the Spring Gala along with the other workings - should make for an interesting & varied weekend.

 

Looking on the MHR web site tonight. I see there is an update by the Urie group about 30506 & 30499. Maybe within a few years we could have 30506 on a Sunday freight train or looking in to the future what about 30499 on the Sunday freight train.


http://www.watercressline.co.uk/News/Loco/View/426

 

Yep, wholeheartly agree. Well done to Tim, his team and all the contributors from various departments for a now very informative website.

This comes from someone who was rather critical about the new website when launched. Its now Blogtastic!

and, in some ways we all benefit from the fact that ex webmaster Tony Wood posts regular additional updates on his SteamTube site as well.

There has never been a better time to keep up to date with all things MHR, as there is now.