80078

"Standard Class 4 Tank locomotive 80078

We have been advised by Southern Locomotives Limited, as owners of Standard 4 MT locomotive number 80078, that they have concluded a sales agreement and have now sold 80078 to a third party whose identity, at the request of SLL, must remain confidential.

Furthermore, we understand that the locomotive will now immediately leave the Swanage Railway for overhaul at an undisclosed location.

We know that many members of the Swanage Railway Trust will be extremely disappointed that this sale has now taken place. Sadly, there was nothing that we could do to prevent the sale, by the legitimate owners of the locomotive, from going ahead.

We have been working for some time to try to reach agreement with Southern Locomotives Ltd. whereby the locomotive would remain at Swanage in perpetuity. However, this has not been possible despite us pressing Southern Locomotives Limited that they did, at least, have a moral obligation to keep the locomotive on our Railway.

We are led to understand that the new owner is minded to look to operate the locomotive on the Swanage Railway once restoration is complete. We will be endeavouring to make contact with the new owner as soon as possible to discuss future operating potential. At this time, we have no information as to how long an overhaul is likely to take"

 

I would advise people to steer clear of SSL...sinking ship that sells an engine each time it completes another.....because they have no money

 

I don't see how you come to that conclusion....?

I was always under the impression they sold 35027 as it was too large for their needs and had no interest to go mainline or have i missed something.

 

Mr.Swanrail is not too far from the truth.....

 

Sad news that a owning group would sell such a useful engine to fund glory engines which arent as useful to most heritage lines!

 

This engine was purchased from Barry by original members of the SRP and later sold to SLL and those of us remaining from the 70's
would be extremely disappointed to see it leave Swanage. Heritage Railways need to pay attention to their more recent history to avoid disgruntled punters.

 

When 80078 and 80104 were in steam at the same time it did make for boring watching, but, having said that, I can understand the disappointment at Swanage caused by this development. On the other hand, nothing ever stays the same, ever, and this might be the catalyst for the Swanage to move on.

Regards

 

I'm highly informed and know the ins and outs, the sale of 35027 was a result of SLL running out of money. They did not want to sell their silver but are quite happy to sell Swanage history.
Swanage Railway were not even given the option to bid on 78.

 

Lots of sour grapes here by the look of it. I'd like to ask the pro Swanage faction where they think their railway would be without having had the services of SLL locos over the years.

 

Whats going on here? The locos sold, that means it'll probably be steamed again, whether at the Swanage or not... Be happy thats one more loco in working order. It may mean one of the smaller railways with out a reliable steam force will have a Standard 4 in there roster. The SLL have worked hard to get the three running bulleids that are in service working now (manstons repairs, SKP's restoration) and now they have more money to go toward 34072. It's all good news here!

 

I would be very careful when making statements like that - libel laws apply on the internet too....


Keith

 

Oh, I'm sure Nick T will be along soon with the SLL side of the story..........

 

Indeed the two SLL BR 2-6-4Ts have served the Swanage Railway very well, and are ideal motive power for the line. It is to be hoped that 80078 will return to the line one day.

David

 

Is it all good news? Swanage have lost a very suitable engine to be replaced with yet another Bulleid! They didnt even accept the last one having already got two!

 

Don't know the exact history of SSL and SR, but there is a difference between acknowledging past successes and continuing that success.

 

And the present one being heard is as near to the facts that you will get

 

At the end of the day SLL must do what is best for SLL. I presume they have a duty to their shareholders first and foremost.

 

The main thing is for Swanage to look to the future.
My view is that they are in a very strong position.."Mr.Loco owner. We would be intersted in hiring your loco on a long term lease.... 100 - 200 steamings a year for the next X years".

Am sure Mr Loco owner would be more than interested