6619

6619 now due to arrive at K&ESR next week, exact day still TBA. 30065 will act as ballast for the low-loader's return trip.

 

I presume that means 30065 now has a new regulator valve? I'll check to see if we have a date yet...

 

You'd have to hope so. It's either that or the wrong Yank was hauling our A set yesterday!

 

I think that it could be a little difficult cos our other Yank (the grey one) doesn't work and is in bits and as far as I am aware we haven't hired another one in which in itself is hard as there aren't any other working Yanks at the moment

 

I think what Seagull Jnr is trying to say that 30065 has been repaired and is back in traffic.

 

Yes 30065 is back in traffic and due to move on loan next week towards the end of the week i believe , i for one am looking foreward to hopefully getting some turns on 6619 next year, assuming we get an extension on her ticket

 

So am I

 

Not if you've got to oil it up!! Otherwise, enjoy. It's a good workhorse and steams well.

 

I've been asked to issue notices for the move on Tuesday morning to the loading point for 6619, so I would guess it will be on its way south sometime on Tuesday. I don't know the haulier's plans as to whether it will land on Tuesday or Wednesday, but that's the info. I have at present. Will let you know tomorrow if anything changes!

 

We look forward to 6619's arrival tomorrow with glee and seeing off 65 with a tinge of sadness. Regarding no 65 (she is in Southern Livery) the fault was not with her regulator but the cast steel base 'dish' on which the regulator unit sits. This was holed and required replacement. In a very few weeks the new component was cast, machined and fitted/commissioned by KESR loco works staff. Plebs may describe 65 as ballast, but underestimate this machine at your peril. That is one capable piece of kit.A number of the Embsay crews are familiar with this loco and we have an excellent understanding and relationship with our Yorkshire colleagues hence the loan arrangement.

 

Well when I have to drive it I think I have a willing son to oil it for me, eh Mr 32670! I've got a feeling that 6619 on the roster might just awake my interest in shovelling coal!!

 

Nothing wrong with oiling up a 66; if you're 6'+, with arms like a chimp and the build of a pipe-cleaner you can stand in one position and do the entire inside motion...

 

So you are expecting to sit down for most of the journey, are you?

 

In your dreams

 

I agree with "one capable piece of kit"

 

The only problem with the USA is the lack of a decent sized bunker, now if Embassy would like to convert it into an 0-6-0 Tender loco before they hand it back )

 

Is that an accurate description of you then, Horace?:smile:

 

Pretty much! I tend to get myself between the frames and the con rod on the fireman's side (no pump to get in the way then), and if the loco's set right can reach every oiling point on the inside motion. As stupid as it sounds, I actually find it easiest without a pit too!

 

I can't believe that! There's no room between the con rod and the frames. Well, no sensible room. As for not using a pit, when 6619 went to the NNR, some drivers oiled up without a pit by squeezing in under the boiler and lying on top of the motion. I tried that approach and gave up pretty quickly!

 

You could always try the NCB approach - just chuck it in from above and hope some lands in roughly the right places.

Maybe GWR drivers were funny shapes and sizes?

Richard