5029: Latest News

Work continues with what has essentially become an intermediate overhaul. The loco's wheels were sent to South Devon Railway Engineering Ltd last week to receive their new tyres, the valves are receiving attention, as are the axleboxes and horn guides which are all being refurbished. We (5029 Support Group & Loco Services Ltd) have also decided to fit mechanical lubrication to the Castle, as it provides better lubrication to the cylinders and valves compared to the current Hydrostatic System, as well as removing the human element of monitoring the hydrostatic lubricator. The mechanical lubricator to be fitted is from 7027 'Thornbury Castle', and will be overhauled by London & North Western Railway Heritage Co. Ltd. at Crewe. On the footplate, we will be adding a Steam Chest Pressure gauge and cab lighting, which will help the crews. Once the locomotive is back in one piece we can give her fresh coat of paint, in the form of 1950s British Railways "Cycling Lion" livery.

As some of you are already aware, we are pleased to announce that the 5029 Support Group & Locomotive Services Ltd are in discussions with the Severn Valley Railway with a view of basing the loco there whilst away from mainline commitments. Discussions between both parties are at an early stage, but the indications are positive.

 

Thats all good news Ben. Look forward to having you back on depot some time soon.

 

Interesting points. As someone who remembers the Castles in regular service, I am trying to recall the actual situation. Firstly did all double chimney Castles have mechanical lubricators? As for the single chimney ones, I'm not sure. I'm guessing the earlier locos had hydrostatic lubricators & the later ones (5098+ batch?) had mechanical ones. Also to add to the mix, some mechanical lubricator Castles had the unit behind the right hand outside steam pipe, but some had it moved to the front of the steam pipe because it made oiling up the inside valve gear difficult.
Regarding 5029, out of interest, where will the lubricator be positioned? Also, again out of interest, does that mean it will have one of those "Oil/No Oil" gauges in the cab.

 

It'll most likely be in front of the steam pipe. Like you have already mentioned, if it was placed behind the steam pipe it makes access to the RH expansion link difficult. Yes, there will be a "Oil/No Oil" gauge in the cab.

 

I'm sure it won't be to everyone's taste (much like the air compressor!).

 

I now await the long list of people to complain the loco is to big for the SVR use to much coal and water as we have heard when SKP was announced to be resident on the line.
The second item 1950s British Railways Cycling Lion that blue or green

 

Strange that nothing was ever said about Taw valley isn't it,as this loco has been an SVR resident for a number of years.

 

Green. Castles were never painted blue.

 

Shouldn't do, as mentioned it was a standard fitment on many Castles so will not look out of place. Have a look at 5043.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Well done Ralph, you've now lit the dynamite!

Anything that will help make things a little easier for the crew & support crew will always be beneficial. Plus I wonder if all of the moaners have any idea of long it takes to prep, dispose and maintain an engine!

Also if it helps in keeping the engine on the mainline then needs must. Keep up the good work Ben along with all your colleagues!

 

Cheers, Shoddy127. It has been a tough couple of months for the support crew, what with waiting for the tyres etc. We'll now be working extra hard alongside our friends at Tyseley Locomotive Works to get 5029 back together. Many thanks for the kind words!

 

Ben

If it does come to pass that 5029 moves to the SVR and see's regular useage, would any thought be given to a way of providing steam heat at the front end ?, Im sure your well aware 50% of SVR running is backwards and December (IE Santa's) require a fair number of Loco's, but could be a rather cold trip one way if Nunney is required then.

 

Thanks for reminding me David! Other additions that will be made to 5029 are the fitment of steam heat at the front of the loco, and fitment of GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications - Railway).

 

always a first time

 

Maybe, but NOT on 5029!

 

I second that!

 

Originally Posted by Ben Jervis
Green. Castles were never painted blue

It's not the blue I object to but the Yellow / Gold number 1 that usually accompanies it !