82045 The way ahead?

Our February update is now on line at 82045

 

Very good reading. Hope to be at the AGM at the end of March.

 

Alas I shall be in Hampton Loade 'Box on the 31st March, otherwise I would be there too!

 

Just wonderful. I shall be donating some more to this project instead of buying a Hornby L1!

 

Regarding the AGM, if anyone goes could they post here a quick summary of the main topics discussed at some point ?

 

Guests are very welcome at our AGM so come along and join in if you are interested. Saturday 31st March 14.30 hours at Kidderminster Railway Museum.

 

The March update is now on line at 82045 :: March 2012 News

 

April update now on.
82045 :: News April 2012

 

All makes for very exciting reading - cylinders ordered with funds in hand for machining, wheel fund over halfway, 2011 AGM targets all met...

If they're not careful they'll have a rolling chassis with cylinders within 12 months!

The only slightly disheartening point was that only 4% of the SVR's membership are involved, I'd've thought such an obviously useful addition to the fleet, and one so interesting, unique, and well-managed would appeal very much. Come on people this is the chance to be involved in something very exciting!

 

It does indeed make exciting reading.

 

That would be even more likely if only more people would follow up on the remainder of your post.

It would be nice to see more people involved from a financial donation perspective but we are blessed with many excellent practical people which goes a long way to compensate.
As was pointed out quite clearly by an attendee at our recent AGM; 82045 isn't simply a "cheque book" locomotive.

 

Unfortunately it is for me at the current time, but circumstances may change. I'd like to get involved physically be that in manual labour (I'm in no way an engineer) or helping out on the stand, distributing leaflets etc, but that may have to wait for the future when I may be able to give some time as well as dosh.

 

Your present contributions are most appreciated guard_jamie and we will happily get you involved more when you are able.

 

I have just read the first post on this thread and I think I wasn't too far off the mark! However, we aren't there yet but excellent progress nonetheless!

 

"cheque book" locomotives such as the unknown warrior aren't such a bad thing. They do keep the young apprentices in jobs and keep the skills going professionally to make sure someone can look after locomotives for the long term.

 

Oh dear Gav! I made no mention of any other new build locomotive in particular and you immediately get all defensive regarding the Patriot. If that's the way you choose to build your locomotive that is entirely your choice and I wish you well. I have no objection to "cheque book" locomotives and I agree your method of construction is no bad thing and will help "keep the skills going professionally".
In contrast the approach taken by the 82045 team is to do as much as possible using the engineering and technical skills we have along with those of our fund-raisers. The use of professional skills, only where and when needed, has allowed us to make considerable progress on fairly limited funds. This approach also assists in keeping the professional skills going; but with appropriate guidance, also gives those lesser skilled volunteer people the opportunity to develop further.
This very careful husbandry of generous donations has allowed this seemingly unglamorous engine to progress with remarkable speed.
I do not see your method of locomotive construction as being wrong. I guess it was chosen as the most appropriate for your team.
The method being used for 82045 again suits our team. The team consisting of a very broad mix with a core of strong engineering skills. It would be wasteful in the extreme not to capitalise on those skills.

 

Very well said.

 

I apologise. It was late when I read the posts and had an irritable day. And as such read the comment in the wrong mood. Future note to self. Don't come on here when tired.

 

That's probably because he met me at Llangollen and showed me round 45551! All I can say is, thank you very much Gav106 for your hospitality (and from the other Patriot folks there) what amazing progress on 45551; since my last visit in 2010, so much has been done and the same is true of 82045 of course. My problem is that I support both of them but that's my fault - I believe both locomotives to be worthy of the efforts people are making on their behalf. Oh, and I also saw the massive frames of 4709 and the driving wheel pattern. Proof if ever was needed that I was a total muppet for ever thinking it would not happen! Betton Grange also looked to be coming on really well.

 

I think late 2013 onwards will be the tricky bit, trying to balance making real progress with the loco and starting to gather funding for the boiler at the same time. It will be important to continue demonstrate progress to the members and try to avoid have a period of down time while funds for the boiler are found. I have personally tucked a few quid away specifically for that time as that will be when 82045 requires the most money over a shortish period of time. If they could double or even triple cash flow over the period that the boiler is being made then than would cover the expensive part the whole project. After that it wouldn't be the end of the world if income dropped back to more normal levels as the most capital intensive part of the project would have passed. Running the cashflow on a project like this is probably as important and time consuming as the engineering as no doubt the 60163 folks would testify. It is starting to look exciting now though isn't it ?