35027

The rolling chassis is 35027 (ready to be picked up by low loader in that picture). The boiler was 35027's. The frames are 35022's.

 

I must say it's great to hear that 35027 is finally going to be overhauled and running again, with 35009 perhaps not far behind; Afterall Mr. Riley (who would seem to have cought the bullied bug) doesn't seem to be a sort of man who hangs about when it comes to overhauling or even restoring locomotives. I do hope though that Jeremy Hosking will be willing to allow 35027 to visit preserved railways on ocasions, I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to see 35027 revisit some of it's own stamping grounds again, such as the Bluebell Railway and the Swanage Railway (I'm sure the people from Southern Locomtives Limited will be very pleased to see 35027 getting on alright); The same goes for Ian Riley and 35009 too.

As for 35022... I have a bit of a suspicion that Jeremy Hosking might be thinking of something more than just restoring it, I think he could be considering reverting it back to it's original condition. I know it would be a very huge and exspensive project to do, but if their is anyone who could be cappable (and perhaps willing) to undertake such a project, it's Mr. Hosking... Not to mention the fact that he already has 35027 and don't think he's one for having 2 of the same type of engine. I do wonder though about the identity of this fourth member of Merchant Navy Class that's supposed to be going there aswell...

As somebody had said though, this year is fast becoming an exciting time for the Merchant Navy Class, and it getting even better, 35006's return is fast approaching...

Watch out 9Fs, Princess Royals, Princess Coranations and Kings... The big merchant boys are making a comeback...

 

Nice to read on another site that work has now commenced on Port Line

 

Yes. Am looking forward to the day when we are spoilt for choice when it comes to MNs! With only 35028 in steam and mostly on VSOE, I'd say they are certainly in the 'rare bird' category at the moment.

 

One of the best runs I ever had was on a Blackpool trip behind 35005 about a a decade ago. The noise as it opened up through Wigan at around 70mph will remain with me for ever. The return run through Wigan was a bit special too! Be nice to have another Merchant on the mainline, be good to seei it's capable of up north. I think they could give the duchess, A1 and duke a run for their money...

 

35005 was certainly a very vocal loco. I remember a spirited Daylight Railtour up the Midland ML with CP. A great sound from CP. My Father knew a former Guildford/Nine Elms driver who said that 35005 was one of the "louder" MN's in BR days.

It's good to hear that 35027 will be coming out of Rileys works for the ML.

 

Should be great to see her back. I think I just missed out seeing her in service at the Bluebell but saw her there plenty of times. Having had some good runs with 35028 in the past and a journey or two behind 35005 I look forward to seeing what 35027 can do.

 

Well in BR days she was known as "Bournemouth's Finest". I wonder if KentYeti has any runs behind her to attest to that?

 

From memory I had a good run on the up Club Train with 35027. So called because most of my timing friends would gather in the last coach of the 19.15 Southampton to Waterloo to compare notes after a good days gricing. And the loco crews would be people we know mostly and would often put up a very good run. The one I recall with 35027 was with Driver Lockhart of Eastleigh. Reached 90 mph a few times between Basingstoke and Woking.

 

Not 35027 but 35006 at toddington. Thought all you MN fans would like to know how things are going. The boiler has had the main manifold pipe fitted for the final time now that the firebox cladding is fitted. Firehole doors are on and regulator handle and stuffing box completed. Final copper lubrication pipework pretty well finished and ongoing removal of protective heavy grease around slide bars and motion parts. Boiler is fully insulated and shortly the main barrel cladding will be fitted, then the boiler can be lowered to its final position and bolted down. The tender has come out of store and will be coupled to the loco to aid moving the loco when needed. Boiler fittings will be going on over the rest of the year along with the cab. Injectors are in position and some of the large bore copper pipe is formed and fitted. Main job to complete will be fitting out the smokebox with steamipes and blastpipe. Wont be drawn on a date, slowly but surely.

 

Thanks for the update, Andy B.

 

I'm very much looking forward to enjoying 35006 in action especially as after iving for the better part of 30 years in Sussex, a move to Gloucestershire is in the offing, so shoudln't have too far to go when it steams. What with 35006's restoration on the home stretch and 35027 and 35009 both hearing for the main line, and the possibility that 35022 may be restored rather than used for spares, definitely a hopeful period ahead for MN's.