Lost LNWR Crane

On a similar theme I assume that the fact that HR were doing various pieces on it would account for the complete lack of any mention of the crane within SR last month.

 

Yes indeed, it seems that the two expressions of interest communicated to us turned into one concrete plan submitted to the CVR, and thanks to Greg for keeping us informed as the matter has progressed - as he and I have said previously, not everything could be said in the public arena. Good news now though.

 

Why let the truth get in the way of a good article?

 

I would also like to thank Greg for posting here to straighten the record and to break the very welcome news that a new owner has been found and a deal has been done. This is indeed fantastic news, and I am sure that the whole heritage railway community will be delighted to hear it.

I would like to take the opportunity to address the comment in Greg's penultimate paragraph regarding the BDCA, however.

The BDCA is not - and has never 'insinuated' that it is - a prominent organisation; it is in fact a very small and specialised group of crane operators, historians, and interested people who care deeply about an often-overlooked aspect of British industrial and railway heritage. Eighteen months ago, at the time Greg mentions, we had only just come into existence and it is little wonder that we were unknown outside a very small circle of specialists (our initial raison d'etre was to assist those who operate such cranes in today's H&S environment to do so legally and safely). Since then our scope has broadened considerably and now we are fortunate to have within our membership representatives from most of the railways still operating steam breakdown cranes, as well as the country's most eminent breakdown crane historians, and indeed a representative from the NRM. I am sure that the situation would be very different today compared to 18 months ago.

The BDCA would have been delighted to have had the opportunity to help the CVR find a new, appropriate, and appreciative home for MP21 from the outset but in order to do this we would, of course, have had to have been aware that the crane up for disposal. We were as unaware of this as the CVR was of our existence at the time and so the opportunity never came up.

The BDCA is of course delighted that a new home for the crane has been found and congratulates the CVR on bringing this about. Whatever has happened in the past and what mistakes, if any, were made is irrelevant; the only important outcome is that the crane is now secure for the future and is not being cut for scrap.

We look forward to reading the statement from the new owner, as promised, and would be more than happy to offer any assistance that we can to the new owner as far as the conservation, restoration, and interpretation of the MP21 is concerned.

We would also like to record our thanks to David Reid of Reid Freight Ltd and James Watson of J. Watson & Sons Ltd for the significant part that they both played in saving the crane. Had they not realised that the crane was something out of the ordinary, and had they been quicker to scrap it or less willing to co-operate with attempts to save it, then this result would not have been achievable.

Roger Cooke
www.bdca.org.uk

 

Pic of 96100 in April here:

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/16210594_23vme#1427847177_SCS8MVD-L-LB

Andrew N

 

Andrew, very many thanks for posting that link; at least it confirms that the crane still exists, or at least that it still existed in April. Externally it doesn't look in bad condition, although the lack of glass and the open cab door are possible signs that it has received the attention of the low-lifes.

Is it your photo? The gallery page is strangely secretive about the identity of the photographer.

Roger.

 

My photo. I don't think the crane is at risk, but it isn't used as it doesn't meet WCRC's needs.

Andrew N

 

In a similar vein there is much discussion on the Bluebell yahoo group about the steam crane there that has been resident there for a long time but is now unloved and apparently unwanted by 'da managment'. The 'S word' was banded about a bit but that appears to have galvanised people so hopefully it maybe seen again.

This machine done much fine work 20 odd years ago and is remembered fondly by those of us who saw it work.

 

Hopefully the "S word" meant Sale not Scrap ....

 

According to Railway Mag, the Crane has been bought by someone at Crewe heritage

 

There are moves afoot to bring this crane back into the fold. There is no immediate threat to its survival.

 

I haven't seen that report but it is consistent with the very strong rumours that I have heard. The news couldn't really be better, and Crewe Heritage Centre is the ideal place for it. Fantastic result!

 

The latest Heritage Railway Magazine (Issue 155) reports that the crane has been bought by David Lewis, organiser of the Crewe Heritage Centre Railwayana Auctions.

The crane will be on display at Crewe on 29th October when the next auction takes place, and David has appealed for donations to help with its restoration.

All in all, an excellent result! My thanks to everyone who contributed to the saving of this irreplaceable artefact.

Roger

 

Talking of Cranes did you see the one i found in devon in a field? http://railways.national-preservation.com/showthread.php/30406-HELP-NEEDED.-found-war-dept.-crane

 

No I had missed that thread! Looks like a steam crane converted to diesel later in life. Any photos of (what looks like) the 10RB behind it? Looks a fascinating place, more photos would be appreciated.

 

It's nothing to do with Colin Shears place at Winkleigh is it?
I went there a couple of times mid 70s and the old aircraft hanger there was stuffed with Buses, Lorries and other vehicles.
Outside was all sorts of other items including an old beach walker.
A friend of mine was buying an old bus from Colin.
He seemed to buy up any old vehicle rather than let it go for scrap in case someone else might be able to take it on in the future.

 

ex Yeaford Sawmills, a Smith steam crane, rebuilt as a diesel. its a crazy patch of land. so much random stuff in there. Ill see if i can get some pictures next time i go down.

 

If all goes to plan the LNWR crane is due to arrive at it's new home the Crewe Heritage Centre around lunchtime on Friday (21st).

 

At LNWR Crewe