48624

Vince would have approved of the red star. His political hero was Dennis Skinner, though Vince felt that Mr Skinners respect for parliamentary convention rather cramped his style.

More rumours are popping up. One is that the LMS did outshop an 8F from Crewe in crimson in the thirties, the other that three 8F locos were painted red at Lostock Hall for an exhibition in the sixties. Anybody know anything definite?

Tim

 

Press release from the Peak Rail website (10/05/09)

Peak Rail PLC Press Release
Steam locomotive 8624 moves under its' own power for the first time in 44 years.

Steam locomotive restoration is not for the faint hearted and a dedicated group of volunteers from Peak Rail were rewarded on Saturday 25 April 2009 when LMS Stanier 8F 2-8-0 locomotive 8624 moved under its own power for the first time in almost 44 years - the culmination of a 28 year restoration of the locomotive from scrap condition.

Withdrawn from Willesden Depot in London in July 1965, 8624 seemed destined to be cut up for scrap along with thousands of other steam locomotives. However, fate was on its side and it was bought for scrap by Woodham Brother's of Barry who famously allowed 213 steam locomotives, including 8624, to be re-sold for preservation instead of scrapping them. Salvation for 8624 came in 1981, when it was purchased by the 48624 Society for preservation and moved to Peak Rail's former base at Buxton for work to begin.

Now that the locomotive has made its first powered-moves, it is intended that a period of testing of the locomotive will take place before it enters passenger traffic during late May.

The newly-completed locomotive has been painted into LMS lined maroon colours, which it has never carried before. Stanier 8F's working in the UK were only ever painted black during their working lives, and whilst the locomotive is likely to be painted into the more-traditional black livery at some stage in the future, most observers who have seen the locomotive up close agree that the locomotive looks truly stunning and is a credit to all the people who have worked so hard on its transformation. Peak Rail's coaching stock is painted in maroon, so the locomotive should look very well-suited when it is hauling our passenger stock.

To mark the return to steam of this historic locomotive, a special weekend of celebrations is planned for the late May bank holiday weekend, from 23 - 25 May 2009. On 23 May, after working a special service for members of the owning group, 8624 will work along with Peak Rail's other operational steam locomotive, WD150 Royal Pioneer to haul services throughout the day, with a variety of single headed, double-headed, and top and tail workings, using both locomotives. In addition, on the Saturday WD150 will be used at Rowsley South to haul brake van rides when it is not being used on main line services. On Sunday and Monday 8624 will haul all of the railway's passenger services, with WD150 being used to haul demonstration freight trains along Peak Rail's route from Matlock Riverside to Rowsley South.

Day rover fares, allowing unlimited travel on the passenger services, will be available priced at £11.00 for adults, £8.00 for senior citizens and £5.00 for children. Peak Rail's normal return fares are also available for one return journey only and these are priced at £6.00 for adults, £4.60 for senior citizens, £3.00 for children aged 5-15, and £1.00 for children aged 3-4.

Peak Rail Joint Managing Director Jackie Statham said: "It was a wonderful experience to see 8624 move again after such a lengthy restoration and everyone on the railway is really looking forward to seeing the locomotive work its first passenger trains at the end of May. With all the other developments currently underway across the railway, Peak Rail is an exciting place to visit."

Speaking about the restoration of 8624, Mrs Statham said: "Throughout its restoration, 8624 has been based on Peak Rail, with work being carried out at our former base at Buxton, before moving to Darley Dale and finally Rowsley South and it is the only locomotive to be rescued from Barry Scrapyard to have been entirely restored on the railway. It is a tribute to all the people who have worked so hard on returning it to service and on behalf of everyone on the railway we pass on our sincere congratulations

 

Black would be a better colour,but she looks good in maroon which sits well.Colour isn't too important,the fact she is complete and steamable is good enough for me.
aussiedave

 

The press release is annoying. I've always tried to call in when I've been in the area and enjoyed talking to the guys on the ground. I wondered how long it would be before Peak Rail plc and their glorious leader tried to get a look in.

IMHO, 48624 was restored *despite* Peak Rail plc, and the 8F guys have done an absolutely fantastic job. It is a tribute to volunteer teamwork, and the ability to overcome all the challenges thrown at them. I think a few people would be turning in their graves if they read some of that rubbish. Most times I've been passing I've always made the effort to call in and walk down the footpath at Darley Dale to see how it was getting on, and there has been the same four or five guys soldiering on outside (normally in the rain!) with grounded bodies full of bits and equipment. Seldom did they praise their location. It's them that deserve the pat on the back, and nobody else should be jumping on the band wagon out of respect if nothing else.

Peak Rail stopped being an exciting place in 2000, and the only exciting thing on the horizon is how they survive in a recession after ten years of stagnation. The yard is full of sorry looking steam engines, all manage to lose bits but never seem to gain them - maybe they're all being restored. I hope they can execute a solution that gives them a chance, but I also hope the 8F goes to a railway that will look after it, respect it and pay well for it.

 

Hmmmm - post number one huh ? I wonder what your agenda is :-k

 

probably twenty plus years experience of Peak rail as an organisation, John

 

I have posted details of the 8F weekend (23rd to 25th May) in the Gala and Events section
http://railways.national-preservation.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=19562

 

I will try and pop in on Bank holiday Monday... Always had a soft spot for 8Fs

 

At the end of the day, everyone argues for or against something regarding a new restoration. I'm surprised no-one has really argued the case for painting it in LMS black livery! But it is nice to have a change, sometimes. I personally like plain BR black, as it makes locomotives look rather striking, but on the other hand, I don't really mind the fact that they've painted the 8F maroon/crimson lake or whatever you call it. It's a good money spinner from those who appreciate something different, and those who don't like it can choose to stay away for the duration of the livery. However, if it's the 'museum finish' that you are after, then I believe the NRM is the best bet, bringing into play the fundamental difference between the vast majority of 'museum' locomotives and this one: regardless of livery, this one is in steam. There are also plenty of other members of the class in authentic livery, so I doubt that as a movement, the heritage world is committing gross heresy by painting one differently from the rest. Even then, I wouldn't even complain about 30850 Lord Nelson being in an inauthentic style of Maunsell livery. I don't own a steam locomotive, other people do, and so I am just thankful that they allow me to have a ride behind them from time to time, even if it means turning a blind eye to the odd bit of indulgence in the what might have beens. That's my fifteen guinea's worth, anyway!

 

We succesfully conducted a loaded test run with 8624 this afternoon.
After a light engine run to test for anything running warm,we ran a round trip to Matlock and back with load 6 in tow.
She's an absoloute pleasure to work on,and I can't thank the guys enough for making my time working on her so enjoyable.
It's very rewarding to finally see 8624 come alive,and it seems such a shame that many who have dedicated their time to her will not get the chance to see it.
A living,breathing,steaming memorial to those.

Hope to see some of you on here about during the gala,I'm rostered as a cleaner on WD150 Saturday and Monday.

 

Chris - was anyone taking any photo's of the test run to Matlock?

 

There were a few people armed with cameras dotted around Rowsley site,and at Darley dale...

 

Some photos by PR fireman Chris Ward here...
http://christopher8062.fotopic.net/c1694776.html
And,try as I might,I couldn't avoid the lens...http://christopher8062.fotopic.net/p58224420.html ;-)
And some video footage here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH5e7bk8IfY

 

Attached is a link from Mick Cramp who is a Peak Rail member and who has also taken some photo's of 48624 on its proving run

www.mickcramp532.fotopic.net/c1697960.html

 

Just heard that she should be good for this weekend's event.
http://www.peakrail.co.uk/stmgala.htm

Dave

 

it looks great in red....but think how much better it would look in green...





with a brass safety valve bonnet... :-# (too far do you think?

 

Nah.. southern green.

 

.

 

True, very true!


But it was painted black!