Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

Didn`t 34016 have a modern ceramic insulation, similar to the heat shedding tiles used on the NASA shuttle, fitted around the backhead and firebox at the last overhaul?

Not sure what was used to lag 35005, 34007 or 34105`s backhead and fireboxes, but i would imagine that this modern insulation as fitted to 34016 would result in a slightly cooler cab.

 

In my opinion (!) 35005's coal consumption went up near the end of its ticket due to the miles it had covered, not because it is a class 8 pacific. Mechanical condition is a big factor in coal and water consumption.

Big engines do attract visitors.

 

CP was using about double what it should have by end of ticket. Very tired and very noticeable on her last RAT with 7 on. 55% min to maintain linespeed on the climbs.
The tuned Bulleids have better ventilation in roof of cab given a sliding roof compared to the rebuilds but it makes little difference on a warm day.

Whilst big engines may attract visitors, CP is too big and I think is no more an attraction than a light pacific. To me a Black 5 is a big engine, certainly not little and you get to hear it work.

 

All this talk about Merchant Navys being too big, in some respects maybe true.

However in the case of the MHR their mission statement clearly says about representing aspects of the period of the 1950/60`s southern region.

The MN`s were perhaps the pinnacle type of motive power of the Southern region express workings of this period and thus rightly or wrongly deserve to be represented by an example of this type at the MHR, which of course Canadian Pacific does.

I am sure that in due course CP will enter the works and will be given the overhaul it so deserves, financial considerations about running costs should ultimately not stop the loco being overhauled eventually and if what several people that have posted here is true once CP is restored back to full health it should be pretty economical on heavier trains during the peak period.

 

I don't think there is any doubt that the rebuilt MNs were the pinnacle of SR steam power. The original versions never really had the faster schedules to work to and consistently show what they could do. Albeit the 1960s schedules were still never that fast. So sad that the accelerated ACE schedule was stopped when the Gas Works Railway took over the line to the West. Even with a modest increase in official speed limit to 90 mph a 75 minute schedule to Salisbury, (although that was faster than the proposal), would have still left at least 3 minutes for out of course delays. Salisbury's Fred Hoare, amongst others, showed that circa 72 - 73 minutes net for the 83.7 miles was comfortably achievable on a regular basis with only small transgressions of the 85 mph limit, and the 60 mph limit in from New Malden on the up working.

And of course the MNs used to work "Over the Alps" from time to time during engineering works on the direct route. As did the light pacifics and BR Standard 5s.

 

Great news 34105 has now entered Ropley workshop for overhaul. Maybe with any luck we could have 34007 & 34105 running together.

http://lee.mediaobjects.co.uk/p69217647.html

 

That's great news! Thanks for pointing that out.

Cheers,

Paul

 

Finally! Best wishes to everyone involved in getting her this far; I'm looking forward to seeing her in sparkling new condition!

 

Good news on Swanage. Last time when I was at Ropley she was near the end of the headshunt back in 2009.

 

Last time I saw her was July 2007, and she looked pretty forlorn with moss growing on the casing. What a difference in situation a couple of years can make!

 

I used to sit through lessons at Woking Grammar and bob up to look out of the window to see the down 10:30 Weymouth and 11:00 ACE pass nearby, almost always on time, 27 minutes after leaving Waterloo. The school was just out of shot on the rear of this photo: http://nick301.photos.us.com/p39252669.html I think it's the ACE, but no headboard, so may have been one of the Saturday versions (as I wasn't in class when I took this, obviously).

 

Aahh Woking! Fred Hoare used to call it "stop all junction" for the up direction! LOL! Can still hear his jovial West Country accent telling me that.

And then of course Hampton Court/Surbiton, where the up "Bils" were often sent out on the main in front of an up steam hauled express. The reasoning being, I think, that the longer distance steam hauled train had plenty of time at London for coaching stock and loco LE movements before their next workings. So a few minutes late arrival was of no consequence operationally. But the emus were worked more intensively, so a late arrival at Waterloo would continue with the next working(s).

 

Anyone wondering what a un rebuilt Bulleid looks like from the under side may find these photos of 34105 on the MHR web site very interesting .



http://www.watercressline.co.uk/News/Loco/View/433

 

Having studied the article in detail, I'm pleasantly surprised how good a condition the valve gear is, even after 14 years stored in a siding. It's probably a similar story with 34072 257 Squadron, with the latest shareholder's circular anticipating that most of the work will be on the boiler, thus implying that the mechanics appear sound. I suppose this goes some way towards vindicating the reasoning behind Bulleid's choice of enclosing the valve gear in a case; its just a shame that technology took several years to catch up with his vision...

 

News update on 34053's restoration on SLL website:

New windows and coal spray being made for tender.
Cab and locomotive fittings being assembled.
New rear tubeplate lifted prior to being fixed into position whilst boiler and firebox stay/fitting renewal continues.

See http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html for pictures.

 

Good news about 34053. I saw it for the first time last Saturday and there is a photo of it on my new photo site. If you fancy a look, then follow the link below.

Cheers,

Paul

 

I see you've gone for the 'Goering' shot as well ! The trial fitting of the cab with side-sheets is something that has happened since I last saw it in October, so thanks for posting those up.

Fair play, the footplate of 34070 is always kept spotless. Kudos to the cleaners/footplate crew!

 

Not exactly topical, but I thought you Bulleid fans would like to know that I've posted a new video on my YouTube site. It shows Tangmere on The Bath & Bristol Christmas Express on 26th Nov 2009. The shots are at Great Wishford and Hanging Langford in the Wylye Valley, between Salisbury and Warminster, and at Corston, just west of Bath. It's intended as a taster for a new Steam Age Pictures disc: Vol 37 contains 1 hour 39 minutes of Clan Line and Tangmere at work during 2009, plus a brief visit to Eastleigh Works for the Centenary open day.

(End of shameless plug.)