7903 Foremarke Hall

Hi all,

Does anyone know whats going on with 7903 Foremarke Hall at the moment in Toddington?

When will/ will we see it again on GWSR or will it need a overhaul now? Latest I heard was it failed a boiler inspection some months ago? Any news?

Cheers,

Chuckles

 

Seems they are raising funds for a boiler overhaul.

http://www.7903foremarkehall.co.uk/

 

Pity their website is practically unreadable!

 

Thought is was my monitor/graphics card for a minute. Looking again it seems to be the low resolution scan of the leaflet, the rest of the page looks ok.

 

Have you tried another browser, cleared cookies/cache?

 

You're right, my comment is unfair overall, having looked further lots of the site is OK. But their home page is a disgrace, and ought to get sorted out! Many visitors would see the home page and, like I did, give up.

 

More info:

According to the GWSR website:

7903 Foremarke Hall out of service for insurance exam

 

I'm with you there Ralph.

There seems a trend to add bells and whistles to web sites that, IMHO, detracts from the prime purpose of viewing them: getting quick and easy information access. Not saying this is the case with the websites mentioned on this thread, but it is certainly happening elsewhere.

I just get the feel that "experts in the field of writing websites" get their hands on them and then, to quote "Hutbers Law", (anyone remember him?), Improvement means Deterioration.

The worst I've come across is with certain motor manufacturers web sites. I would guess impossible to use unless you've got 40MB Broadband. The best my line seems to give me is less than 1MB, and it seems it will be some years until I can get fibre optic. So, AFTER my two daughters get married next year, (Shock), and I get round to changing my VW Golf, it will be down to which manufacturer can still supply me with a comprehensive printed brochure with all relevant details inside.

But back to the Hall. I'm not a great fan of the Great Way Round locos. But a while back did very much enjoy seeing this Hall at the GWR Gala. Looked and sounded superb. Hope they can sort it out and get it back running within a reasonable timescale.

 

Their website says seven years.

I had it in May 2004 shortly after arrival at GWR.

 

From what i have told 7903 has the same issue as 5199

Disappearing heads on foundation ring rivets

Funny how they have both done about seven years

 

A loco that will be missed until she's back in traffic. I prefer the original Halls to the modified versions but I have fond memories of 7903 blasting out of Winchcombe and up through the tunnel

Hopefully we'll soon again be seeing sites like below

 

Suffice to say, 7903 passed an insurance exam yesterday and has been fostered for traffic this weekend with 2807.

 

and rostered as well! It will be lovely to see 7903 with 2807, shame I can't! Photos please people if you can!

 

Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but No:7903's boiler ticket expires near the end of October, doesn't it? It was mentioned in the last issue of 2807 news but I was wondering if anyone could tell me the exact date. Of course, I may have got it completely wrong!
In any case 'Foremarke Hall' is rostered as the service loco until 19th October when No:45160 takes over. On 29th October No:7903 is rostered to do a fire and drive course on 29th October.

 

I can't remember the exact date - but her annual certificate expires at the end of october. She was returned to steam in 2003 so she should be running again soon - aslong as the boiler inspector doesn't find anthing he doesn't like!

Stephen

 

Thanks for that.
Went down to the GWSR yesterday to see No:7903 in action between Winchcombe and Cheltenham, probably for the last time for a while - it is replaced in the loco roster by the Turkish 8F No:45160 on Wednesday.
Locations: Foot crossing near Woodmancote and Winchcombe station.
Photos (9): https://picasaweb.google.com/115609395788457768316/GWSR151011
Video (7:12, HD) [video=youtube;5wLqVStRMZQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wLqVStRMZQ&lc=ymOCj22D45NhkQMR6yHA40F_zZR yFk50Af3rE1SY45s&feature=inbox[/video]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wLqVStRMZQ
Hope you enjoy the photos and videos, as always any comments and feedback are most welcome.

 

Is it just an effect of the camera, or are those rail joints seen at the start of the clip dipped?