Taff Vale railway No 28

Well, we made the BBC website, anyway...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-27001496

The only inaccuracy is the bit about the last Welsh-built standard gauge coach, as carriage No. TVR 73 on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway was built at Cathays. Probably not their fault, though...

We also made the 'Western Mail':

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/historic-steam-locomotive-conveyed-quarter-6953848

I mustn't complain, but its strange how the facts stray:

1. The locomotive hauled 25% of Wales' coal output, apparently single-handedly.
2. That its a 'model.'

 

Here she is, a first look at GWR 450 on the Gwili Railway, taken during gauging runs on Friday 11 April. Image courtesy of Dewi Jones/Welsh Train Project.

 

It looks good but the sides of the splashers should be green not black

 

There's a good reason for that... We ran out of green paint! You will also notice that there is no safety valve bonnet, which seems to have gone walkies since 1960. However, both are things that can be easily sorted out in due course, finances permitting. Not only that, but there are rumours of a bufferbeam number being added, and we have replica numberplates on order for attachment to the coal bunker. The next engineering task is to re-fit the brakes, so its a good job we found the works drawings...

 

Yes. NCB removed them, presumably to reduce maintenance expense due to it being used to shunt and haul unfitted wagons prior to preservation c1960. So that's another thing on the 'to do' list for an eventual mechanical overhaul...

 

No. And there are a few stories about how they had to operate on steam days to take the issue into account. I think it was something along the lines that it was always run bunker-first, and a vac-fitted diesel shunter at the other end had to operate the brake. Someone with better knowledge of the operation might be able to elaborate, though.

 

As I said, that was well before my time, so there might be someone else who was there who can confirm, but one last thing is that it only ran up and down a siding for a few hundred yards. It also ran on the national network at Newport without vac brakes, too, but it wasn't hauling anything. It was probably a positioning move to Cardiff for an open day.

 

We ran with a Toad on the front (uphill) end, latterly with the also unfitted Swansea Harbour Trust inspection saloon in between. Had operations at Caerphilly continued I think the plan was to vacuum fit the toad and fit a vacuum ejector (but not brakes) to the industrial locos. 28 was stopped for steam pipe repairs by then but the long term plan was to reinstate the vacuum brake if the National Museum of Wales agreed.

 

Thank you LesterBrown!

 

It was towed to Newport after being low-loadered to Llanwern in connection with a fund raising event for the Railwaymen's Benevolent Fund (6201 was also there in steam). Although not steamed ultrasonic testing of the axles etc. was required before it was allowed to be dragged along the big railway.

Sent from my HTC One mini using Tapatalk

 

Regarding the splasher, the matter might very well be sorted out sooner rather than later. We do at least want it to look 'right' as much as possible, and paint is a relatively easy thing to sort out. The footplate is also open to the public, and is obviously proving popular with children. Hopefully, we'll have some more budding drivers in the making!

 

Hello,
TVR 28/GWR 450 is spending sometime at NRM Shildon.
I see on there TVR 28 Facebook front page that the Loco could do with some number plates.
I will donate £10.00 towards a set of plates.....anyone else?
Perhaps some kind of donate button can be uploaded on one of the TVR sites.
Nick

 

Nick thank you, anything folk are able to pledge will bring No.450 back from anonymity.
All best wishes
Anthony

 

Morning All,
Things have been very quiet on here for a long time. Suffice to say we have not been idle, although all our updates have prehapes not migrated to this forum from our Facebook page. So for those that have not seen it here is the latest update.

*************************** T.V.R No 28 News ************************

Having put the engine back in one piece in 2014, the GVCG, now its custodians, would like to take the next step on its journey back to working condition.

Many of the parts have not been touched for twenty years or more so these now need a bit of TLC. With the locomotive being kept outdoors it is prone to the weather and deserves to be in the best condition possible.

The paintwork gets its fair share of dust and grime but now and again does get a wash to remove the cobwebs!

We are now going to start a “care and maintenance” plan for some of the moving bits by cleaning, oiling, greasing and painting the various parts to prevent them from deteriorating.

To this end we have decided to start by carrying out work on the brake hangers, cross members, links and rods and so that the
To this end we have decide to start work on the brake system to get the hand brake operational to allow the loco to be better displayed.

No physical changes will be made at this time so there will be no welding, drilling or machining of old or new bits to change its authenticity.

All the work done will be under the guidance of the GVCG and all willing hands are welcome to assist whether you have worked on engines before or not. If you can use a wire brush, paint brush or sweeping brush, we can find a job for you.

The second of these work party will be on Thursday 27th of October. If you are interested in helping please contact Dewi Jones via email on
Dewitrains[at]gmail.com for further details.