Coal Tank 1054

And more's the pity.

 

I couldnt possibly comment as I cannot really say anyting about the numerous enquiries I have had from around the country. Sorry i cannot be more helpful at this stage. i can only really mention ones that are agreed and in the schedule!

 

Great news that 1054 is back in action. Good luck to her and the BLS. Enjoy your travels! I'm sure you'll get a warm welcome where ever you go. I hope she also gets plenty of use on regular KWVR services - something a little different from the regular Jinty.

 

Hi, VERY many thanks. I am right now sorting out a provisional Programme and have just typed 2014 into my spreadsheet!
Watch out for news in the magazines to be on the shelves soon. Press Release covering 2012 and beyond will be sent out within a couple of day! i hope you will like what you see. Lots to go at and 4 liveries over the next 18 months! Please suppport STEAMS LAST BLAST Appeal as we want to get to work on 45596 next! EVERY PENNY COUNTS!

 

You sound as if you are going to be busy over the next couple of years or so then! It will be great to see the Coal Tank in action on the KWVR soon

 

1054 is on the front cover of the latest Beano (Steam Railway), which dropped onto my doormat this morning. She looks good, glinting in the autumn sun.

What are the vertical pale grey lines below the smokebox door? Looks like she's dribbling!

 

Information beyond the cover of the Beano suggests a number of identities in the next 12 months or so - LNW unlined for now, BR 58926 for KWVR and Llangollen, LMS unlined for SVR in the autumn, then into lined LNW. Can anyone corroborate this - and the visit to the SVR?

 

Havent seen the picture, but from what you've said, its probably the ash and soot staining as its shovelled out. If it got wet, then it'll make it more noticable.

 

Not seen the piccy but it is almost cetainly condensation of water vapour in the gases from the fire when the loco is first lit up and th smokebox is still cold. It's quite common on locos where the smokebox door isn't a perfect seal at the bottom.

 

Just to let people know that 1054 has been passing up and down the branch today from 0900 until about 1600 with two coaches and the SR brake. She sounds well.

 

Good news - well done all

 

1054 Update
Loco passed its final boiler test last Tuesday afternoon (22nd)and then ventured on to the branch for the first time since 1998 hauling the BLS SR bogie brake van. We had total possession of the Oxenhope to Oakworth section and ran up and down several times. Loco undertook some 'serious' carriage shunting (7+ coaches) at Oxenhope as darkness was falling before heading back to Haworth for coaling. Further trips in the dark before back to Haworth overnight. Some stunning night shots!
Wednesday saw further runs with the van before a couple of coaches were attached. Haworth Station looked very pre-Beeching (rare sight of totally empty platform!) as loco simmered with train over lunch before more trips up and down!
Awesome sights and sounds thanks to the BLS loco group who have restored the loco with HLF financial help.
Next in line is 45596 so help please! Oh, "Southwick" the Ingrow-based crane tank ex Doxfords has just been moved up the yard for assessment too!
Re liveries it will emerge as 58926 for the KWVR February Gala (10-12th) - the next edition of STEAM RAILWAY should contain some really exciting news about the Gala - before a further short period in the livery it carries atm. Not sure yet whether it will be in BR or LNWR for Railfest. Then a change to LMS 7799 in mid year and at the SVR before a repaint into fully lined-out LNWR livery as 1054 in readiness for the 2013 season. We may well run it in July 2012 on a 'final' train in its current LNWR unlined livery.

 

I presume you will be starting on Bahamas after it's proposed visit to York next year?

 

that is our plan but we need all the money we need either in place or guaranteed before we start work or place contacts.

 

Hi Martin, not seen you for ages!
We will be using vinyls for BR and LMS. Plates for LNWR livery.

 

Hello all

Can anyone tell me if 1054 will be in use/running in before the winter gala??? as i cant make it in feb.

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi,
Thanks for your enquiry.
The few minor snagging issues that were identified on 22/23 November have now been either sorted out or will be shortly with the loco now being drained down for the winter.
We have no plans to steam or run it again before its February 2012 Launch but, as you are unable to see it then, it will be used for a few private charters during February after which it will be off to Llangollen and then Railfest.
You will have seen that we plan to run it in several liveries during 2012 and I am hoping that for each we will be holding a 'Last Weekend/Day' with it in either LNWR, BR or LMS before the major repaint in 12 months time.
Watch out in the Railway Press for details or the BLS 'Coal Tank' website.

 

UPDATE!
Suggest you also look at the KWVR links too but.....
THE most exciting event for years will be the Re-creation of the famous SLS 5th January 1958 'Heads of the Valley's railtour which ran with 58926 and 49121 which will occur on FRIDAY 10th FEBRUARY, the first day of the KWVR 3-day Gala, and which will be sponsored by STEAM RAILWAY magazine. 58926 will be in BR livery and the NRM's G2a renumbered 49121 for this one day only. Leaving Keighley around 1245, the time that the original special set off with both locos from Abergavenny 54 years ago, it is hoped that the train will again consist of 5 coaches with livery colours as they were then.
There will be numerous associated events, most of which are designed to raise money for STEAM'S LAST BLAST Appeal for 45596 "BAHAMAS" which will be on view at Oxenhope. Pete Skellon, author of "Bashers, Gadgets & Mourners", the recently-published definitive book about Coal Tanks and which was referred to as THE railway book of the year in 2011, will be giving a talk in the shed at Oxenhope (heated!) during the afternoon. It is hoped to also arrange a floodlit photo shoot during the evening.
The next issue of SR should contain further details as should the one to be published just before the Gala itself.
There will be several other events during the other two days oif the Gala.

 

For those unable to make this event to see this recreation, I understand on the Thursday of the 6880 Betton Grange SSS3 Gala (26th April 2012) at the Llangollen Railway, the following is happening:

'Thursday the 26th will then see scenes from the North West in the 1950s recreated, with BR Black 49395, 58926 and 44806 operating all services. Our two LNWR guests will also recreate the last train from Abergavenney to Merthyr Tydfil which operated on the 5th January 1958.'