Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

34051 is definately going to the GDSF and will be returning to the NRM via the Mid Hants:

Winston's Coming Home! | Watercress Line

 

That's very interesting. I wonder how 34051 will be utilised at the MHR? Just as a static exhibit in the yard at Ropley?

 

I would imagine it would be static in Ropley yard, although it would be nice if she was allowed out (dead in tow) with 34007

James at SVN

 

Just seen the great news on the MHR site. It's going to be a superb event.

 

As if there wasn't enough dead stuff in the yard at Ropley...

 

Mmmm, but there is also a lot of "live" stuff too. 6 serviceable steam engines in the yard today, and 2 unserviceable. (Plus a total of 6, of which 4 were in the shed, being overhauled) Given there is another serviceable loco about to arrive back, I reckon that is an MPD total to be proud of, and one which many other railways might want to have just now.

 

Here here a very good line up of locos based on the line servicable and away on hire. The Mid Hants does not have back sidings hidden away to put out of service locos like other railways nor gleaming "Engine Houses" to display them so its always on show what ever its sevice state.
Apart from 73096 in the main yard all the other locos there are either under overhaul or in 41312s case under assessment for overhaul so its all positive.Nothing to be negative about at Ropley !

 

Normally when a tender loco visits GDSF, it goes without its tender. Anyone know if 34051's tender will go to the MHR or stay in York?

 

Was wondering the same thing myself.

 

If 34051 doesn't arrive with a tender at Ropley. What about using 34105 tender which is in Ropley head shunt? I know it isn't in the best of condition but it's better than having no tender behind 34051.

 

What about the "JB Contract" loco's? 31625, 31874, 34016. Aren't they just stored.
I know 31874 is going to have a repaint.

 

31625 and 34016 aren't in the yard, they are in the headshunt. 31874 was in the yard the other day awaiting a paint job for the gala I believe. I assume the 6 serviceable locos were 34007, 45379, 850 31806 Thomas and 925?

 

If it were not for eight Spam Cans having been rescued from Barry, and all but 34073 having steamed, I would guess that 34051 would have been loaned out to someone or other and restored to working order - indeed, possibly running on the main line. It's great that 34051 will be visiting its old stamping grounds (give or take a few miles), and while my heart says, "pity it can't be restored to working order", my head says, "Is this really the sort of engine the NRM wants to see in action when it has so many working classmates?" Still, if some deal for its restoration was devised and the NRM agreed, I for one would not complain, although I would rather see 34073 given a secure future, and not cut up for spares.

 

I think with so many others out there, 34051 is one that can reasonably be kept cold.

 

On the MHR website for the extra RAT date it states this:

'All profits from this event will be donated to the National Railway Museum towards the restoration of 34051 "Sir Winston Churchill."

I can only assume this does mean cosmetic but i thought the funds had already been gathered for this?

 

Unfortunately, Thomas can only be sensibly used for Franchise activities and 925 isn't officially in action until the Gala.

 

No, they have only raised £14k out of a £35k quote for cosmetic restoration as at 24 September 2011. Maybe add a few grand on top, but this is the most recent update on the fundraising I can find online.

 

There's been an update. See: http://www.nrmfriends-south.org.uk/NewsItems/WinstonCcampaign.html

 

What does this section mean???

Relaunch
The aim is to have the locomotive ready for a relaunch in 2015 – the 50th anniversary of Sir Winston’s funeral.

Is it to have it as a static exhibit or might they be aiming at steaming her??

 

To the best of my knowledge its just cosmetic work.

Also the latest issue of The Railway Magazine have picked up Steam Railway's news story on 35011 being restored back to Spam Can form.