GWR "King" cut downs

Well yes. Look at 6000 then look at 6024... The difference in appearance is quite noticable.

 

Well that's the first I've seen of it. I presume you mean the chimney? But unless you put them side by side, I would never notice it in a million years, and it certainly doesn't affect their majestic good looks IMO

 

Nunny was chopped slightly differently to Edgcumbe and now Clun. Having them steam on the mainline is the most important thing. How we achieve it is of less importance me thinks.

As for the Kings, 6023 will have both full height cab for preserved lines and a chopped set for mainline. Best of both worlds! I do believe the whistles are now placed at an angle - didn't 6024's once clip a bridge or am I imagining it?

 

I'm not sure about whistles but wasn't 6024's safety valve torn off when she hit a bridge?

 

Yes, on the approach to Paddington. Can't remember when though.

 

"On 22 March 1992, again working out and back to Paddington, the safety-valves caught the underside of the steel bridge at Ladbroke Grove. After repairs and a light engine run proved that this disaster had had no lasting ill effects, the locomotive resumed its programme, including its first revenue-earning run on the line through the Golden Valley when it demonstrated that it had plenty in hand on this tricky climb. "

from http://www.watercressline.co.uk/The-Works/Locos/35

 

When Nunney was cut the cab sides were left untouched and i think two 3" strips taken from either side of the roof and the roof curve flattened and the front spectacle plate was re profiled.

I think the rain strips on the roof were either removed or modified. the bits might still be in the scrap at Mr Rileys emporium up north....

Ian

 

On a similar vein, when LT bought the ex GWR pannier tanks I think the later cab versions were way out of gauge. I believe even the older cabs had to have the rain strips removed, it was that close.

 

That's right. Sorry.

 

I would agree with regards to the Kings, I think its the safety valve bonnet that does it, its one of those things that you dont notice it until someone points it out, then you realise its a little erm.... squat!

But lets be honest if its a choice between that and seeing these beauties doing what they were designed to do its a small price to pay isn't it!

I didn't realise that Castles had been altered also.....

Wait till we get a 47xx on the main line (a big dream) I wonder what would be needed to make her fit.....

 

Mostly loco's cut down to 13'1, the changes are discreet enough not to be noticeable, the Kings so far seem the only class where the change is quite obvious.

 

I wonder if some of the preserved railways, such as SVR and WSR, can nowadays accommodate an 'original' King?

 

Considering that many non-mainline locomotives operate on said preserved railways - and of course many, many others - and haven't been cut down, I don't see why not. We'll find out in September! CLANG!!!!

 

They are certainly expecting to! 6023 is booked in for the SVR Autumn Gala.