J94 3809

Does anyone know how J94 3809's Overhaul is getting on at GCR and if it is coming back to the NNR?

 

Point of order: 3809 is not a J94.

 

Overhaul should be completed by the end of this year (it'll be ready when it's ready) and will not be returning to the NNR. It will be based at the GCR though possibly it may visit other preserved railways should the owner wish for it to visit anywhere when it's completed.

 

I know the GCR likes to show itself as a Mainline Railway, but surely an Austerity such as 3809 would be an ideal fit for the Mountsorrel branch when it's fit for regular use.

 

I believe the original intent was for this Austerity to join many fellows in becoming a pseudo-J94 to maintain the mainline feel.

Out of interest, and not wishing to hijack the thread - how many non-J94 Austerities have taken on J94 guise in preservation at one time or another? This is of course separate to the two actual ones.

 

Far too many is the answer!

 

The shiny maroon paint seems to indicate otherwise...

 

This loco was originally a giesel fitted type and worked up in Fife at Wellesley Colliery it was in NCB green with gold lettering, although latterly it was filthy and appeared to be grey

When the North Norfolk had it it was dark blue, lined out and looked rather good. The loco got stopped on a few occasions as they had to do quite a lot of restaying.

If its got maroon paint on it

 

Is she retaining the Giesel ?, I remember seeing her for quite a few years on Holiday at the NNR, Im sure an Industrial branch (Mountsorrel) meeting a Mainline Railway (GCR) at some exchange sidings (Swithland) could be yet another unqiue and interesting aspect for the GCR.

 

As what has been said before the maroon paint indicates what colour it is going to be painted. The owner has no intention to repaint the loco in a BR livery to resemble a J94, it never carried a br livery so why should it?

 

Well I haven't visited the GCR recently so I haven't seen the shiny maroon paint. I'm going on what I originally heard, if what I heard was incorrect, fair enough. I'm not trying to dictate what colour the owner should paint it it's his prerogative.

 

I also have many happy memories of sunny family holidays in Norfolk when the NNR ran the loco regularly. I think there was another class member there as well (with quite a similar number - 8009?) which was also running around the same time. Diesels I seem to remember included Classes 27, 37 & 117 DMU. With only one of those still on the line and both Austerities gone it just goes to show how things change...

 

This was 3809 in October 2008, shortly after arrival at Loughborough.

 

Ah I remember 8009, another mock J94 but in LNER Black that time, I also remember 6412 trying to incinerate the heath on more than one occasion!.

 

I think it was at one time stated in 'Main Line' (GCR's in-house magazine) that the other Austerity on the GCR ('Robert' ex-Crewe) might be in line for the BR treatment. Different owner; may have different ideas! Although saying that, I think I saw its WD number chalked on the side of it in the shed recently, so I've really got no idea what the latest thinking is. 'Robert' is one of the few which was originally in khaki livery - I know what my choice would be! Anyway, 'Robert' is probably a bit behind 3809 in terms of overhaul progress, although both are active projects.

Incidentally can anyone who cares about Wikipedia explain why 'Robert' isn't on the list of preserved Austerities?

 

There we have it! I didn't even know there were two on the line, to be honest...

 

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