34046 Braunton

I think a number of these posts are rather unfair on contractors. Remember that for all steam locomotive boiler work, there is an insurance company involved who have a pretty major say in what has to be done and must approve how, and for mainline locomotives, there is a Vehicle Acceptance Body.

So a lot of work is not just a contractor and a customer, and many customer are pretty "well informed". The reality is that you need to dismantle a steam locomotive and its boiler pretty extensively in order to fully appreciate what needs doing, and even then, there are frequently a number of areas where you can spend less now but know it means more needs finding in 10 years!

Steven

 

Boiler Inspectors are usually concerned whether the boiler is fit for purpose now and and will remain so in the next twelve months. They are not in the game of guessing what will be required in a number of years time. That is always a subjective opinion. When a boiler is stripped for its thorough internal examination many things will still be fit for purpose. A simple example is a crown stay. There might be some slight necking but still plenty of meat left. Who knows how quickly or slowly it will deteriorate? Someone has to decide whether it will go for another long period or whether the Inspector will condemn it in a few years time. That someone really has to be the owner. The contractor will say it it is sensible to replace it (he wants the business), the Inspector will say it is sensible to replace it (he doesn't want litigation if it fails part way along the way for giving bad advice).

Every contractor I've had dealings with will tell you that he is caring, has your best interests at heart, is doing it at cost price or less and isn't making any money on these extras. If you believe any of that, you've got problems!

 

While I would bow to your experience Steve, I would have thought that the whole point of the insurance Company wanting a full internal and external exam was to ensure that issues which could be expected to become a problem before the next exam are highlighted and action taken as appropriate. I do seem to recall hearing of examples where an Inspector has stated something will last say 4 years but not 10. Whilst there will be another inspection within 14 months of completion, it will not be of the empty boiler and surely that informs the thoroughness of the inspection for all concerned?

(And I am fully aware that contractors aren't doing things for the good of their health, although I also know of plenty examples where the engineers agree extra work and then the governing body of the owners won;t pay for it because it was their engineer (verbally) who approved it not them who sanctioned the extra expenditure!)

Steven

 

Could there be an update on that Brake Valve? Has it arrived?

 

Looks like it. ELR unofficial advises testing next week, with service trains over weekend 29/30 June if OK.

 

Latest news on 34046, taken from Mr Riley's forum:

Following delivery of a new brake valve, and fitting of same, a successful steam test is hoped for this coming Monday.

The loco will then have a brief spell of 'running-in', and once we are happy, it will go for 'mainline' test runs.

James at SVN

 

Reported in the What's going on section that a ML test run is pencilled in for 1st July.

 

Is there a support coach at Bury with 34046?

 

I think 61994 is using 34046's coach for now. I believe 61994 has used it since it left the ELR in March(?)

James at SVN

 

If 1st July is the test day might the itinerary be light engine to Carnforth followed by a loaded run round the usual route? Thus enabled to collect the coach as well.
Has the gubbins been fitted to permit working down south as well now or will it be limited to north of the Wash effectively? Advertised for Torbays so appears affirmative.

 

If her test run is for July, I can only assume that because of lack of running since she was put into service that she will have had all the necessary checks done for as per a 10 year overhaul that Tangmere had? As in her boiler ticket will start over again? Not sure of her mileage, but it can't be much to warrant giving her limited running time on mainline metals! Considering that everyone will be going out to photograph and video her at every opportunity! (I of course will be one of them!)

 

ELR website showing 34046 in service on Friday.

 

Ralph has suggested, in another thread, that there will be a test run around the usual circuit on July 3rd.

Hmm... It certainly suggests some confidence on both sides, and it tells us what 34046 will be doing IF she passes the mainline tests. However, I'm not holding my breath.

Ian Riley has a reputation to protect, so I wouldn't expect him to put Braunton up for a mainline test unless he was pretty confident that she'd pass. Therefore, let's wait and see whether 34046 sets out from Carnforth next Wednesday.

 

Galatea? Royal Scot?

 

Let's be honest here, Brighton products are superior. They just are.


OK, if you say so.................you're wrong of course, but if that's what you think........OK.
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Beach resort ?!, woulden't call the Taw estuary a beach.

 

Longest gestation period for a locomotive emerging onto the main line? How about 70000 Britannia? First advertised as hauling a special train to/from Hereford in autumn 1978, it's main line debut finally happend in July 1991.

 

I guess Lord Nelson could be added to the list too