City of Truro withdrawn from service

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The National Railway Museum has withdrawn 3717 City of Truro from service, following an unsuccessful attempt to repair a leaking boiler tube.


An option to retube the locomotive, which would have enabled the locomotive to continue in service for a further two years , was rejected after reviewing the condition of the rest of the boiler and tender.

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Ah well, I'm glad I saw her in action in this latest period of operation . Time for a rest for her now, I would think?

Mark

 

Last time I saw it, was passing through Warwick station at speed.......I was very impressed.....very stable and seemed to run like a Swiss watch.......

 

No shortage of speed and grace, the videos on youtube of her flattening Dainton bank show that perfectly.

Probably not a surprise, she's been out and about for nearly 10 year now (where's that gone ?!)

Perhaps Anthony can tell us what the plan is ?, I'd assume back on display at York/Shildon for now like you.

 

Had the surprise pleasure of seeing her in her "Native" Cornwall last summer. Lets hope she returns one day, a great survivor

 

I was one of the loonies that drove from all parts to the re-launch at the GWSR. It was a special day, and I have to say it was wonderful to see. Equally good was when she came to us for our 2011 gala, and it was good to see her on our vintage set. Would be nice to see her out again, but maybe she is due a rest. Perhaps Anthony and the guys could let one of the other exhibits have it's turn to run.

 

Hopefully just a short rest as she is an important survivor with a unique story to tell. I caught her a few times during her last ticket and was impressed with her. One of my biggest regrets was not going behind her on the mainline when I had opportunity. Unfortunately I left it too late... probably never get that chance again!

 

990 or 1000 perhaps ?

 

We need the classic British 4-4-0, used by almost all of the pre-group companies and lasting until the early 60s so an important part of our railway heritage.

Dave

 

Absolutely. Today's email news from the RPSI indicates that the boiler has just gone back into GNR(I) No. 85 "Merlin"...

 

Why not have a quick look at the NRM website and the entry for 'City of Truro' http://www.nrm.org.uk/OurCollection...spx?objid=1978-7025&cat=steam&comp=All&ipp=96 and you will find that it is now at the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway! Or is it that the NRM are not up to date as to where their locomotives are?

 

The NRM have one running - the T9.

Tom

 

City of Truro is tucked away in the tent at the back of the NRM at York, a real shame for such an iconic engine

 

I see it was due to appear at the MHR Steam Gala on the 1-3 of March alongside T9 30120. Obviously won't happen now.

 

And Cheltenham... though not of course pre-grouping.

 

I imagine they'll have a fair bit of work to do just to prep her for being laid up for a few years...

 

So what's next for the NRM. Will they consider overhauling another loco to take the place of 3440. To fly the NRM flag on preserved lines.

 

Yes, we reckon a week or so to wash it out, vent and dry the boiler, clean out fire and smokebox, empty coal space and paint it, empty tender, let it dry out and paint that. We intend to lay it up properly, but in essence, it is a tired engine at the end of its ticket. 10 years is not a right sadly, and Truro has decided for herself to call time. Thanks for the reasoned responses - I'm sorry to withdraw her as I was due to drive her tomorrow! However, I believe we are doing the right thing by the engine as an historic object. Let's not forget she's been static before - and there are other irons in the fire... ;-)

 

Peter - we still have some interface issues between the website and the database and the team is looking into it. I hope it can get sorted...

 

It's in there as that's where we keep the working locos for the South Yard - she's in there as we were planning to use her this week. Once laid up and cleaned she will go on display.