5668 to follow 4253 to KESR

Resurrecting this thread after a while, I saw on the Saturday Gang page that both 23 and 30/1638 are now out of traffic, 4253 and 5668 are being restored, 21 & 25 are being ovehauled, and of course 24 has left. I think of the loco's capable of pulling 5 coaches that only leaves 6619 and 22/65 in service? Is that enough? Will any of the loco's being worked on be ready for next year, presumably 25 will be back then.
As an aside if anyone else is looking for quirky Christmas presents check out the 4253 site, most of my family will be adding salt and pepper to their meals next year curtesy of 4253 boiler rods!

 

The KESR's twitter showed a shot of 1638 being stripped for overhaul in October and hope to have her back in action by Spring 2015.

 

The Tenterden Terrier (Kesr house mag) landed on my doorstep this morning. It confirmed 1638 is being fast tracked. Wainwright will also return in 2015.

 

That's good, so Maunsell and 6619 to cover the Santa specials and then back to four 5 coach haulers for the summer season.

 

How much longer has 6619 got on its ticket? I thought it was due for overhaul shortly after 1638.

 

It's out of service at the end of December, which is why it's so important to have 1638 back asap.

 

Thanks. That's what I thought.

 

I believe, although Howard will know better than I, that the plan is to fast-track 1638, then get 21 running, and THEN do a semi-fast track overhaul of 6619. No.25 has been laid aside pending the other overhauls, as she is at a less advanced stage than 21. When it finally gets in, No.23 will get a full overhaul, by which time it is likely that 1638 will have been withdrawn again!

 

No 25 still being worked on - we removed the foundation ring the Saturday before last.

 

I can't see 6619 getting a fast track overhaul, she's going to be a big job and because she was overhauled and run elsewhere we're not really sure what we're going to find when she's stripped down. DS238 is progressing and should be in traffic in time for the summer season. 25 is ongoing and could be back later next year. Hopefully 1638 will be back by early spring.

 

The latest 5243 website update shows the fruits of some of the intense labour over the past months (and a few years!). Another "Barry Wreck" coming back to life. I do like these big 2-8-0 tanks.
http://www.4253.co.uk/Whats_Happening_Now/

 

I love these guys. Now in the process of re-assembling a Barry wreck in what looks like basic workshop facilities. They are kicking goals. A simple website with lots of pics that gets updated very regularly (weekly?). Big ticks from me.

 

They've built up a good team. At times when lots of volunteers arrive on the same day, they have assisted with progressing the overhauls on 21 & 25.

 

I think the facilities would have to be upgraded to fit the description of "basic"! It is a good team doing the engineering, and I look forward to the boss persuading them that getting started on 5668 while they're waiting for paint to dry is a good idea!

 

Whew! I did have a horrible thought after I posted that my comment would be seen as some sort of slight or criticism of facilities. All the more kudos to the great work being done by an obviously dedicated and passionate group.

 

And I consider Rolvendens facilities to be pretty good!

 

Steve, Rolvenden's facilities are good. 4253 have been working in the canvas and wood tent to the side of the yard, in the field. When not in there, they have been working in the open air! The loco finally made it into Rolvenden shed proper a few weeks ago.... and promptly had to come out again!

 

The original poster said basic WORKSHOP facilities which is what I was disagreeing with.

 

It depends on what you call basic, Idealistically it could do with complete rebuilding and laying out better its a two road shed and can manage 3 engines, only one road has a pit, there is no purpose built lifting facility and re wheeling etc has to be done with a crane , no wheel drop, its showing signs of being old, the electrics had to be re done a few years ago, in my view it will need rebuilding at some point or a better modern building built that has better light and a purpose built preperation and painting shed, its very hard to paint anything to a high standard in the shed in between the welding grinding and years of general grime that you always get in railway workshops Charlie and his team do well because they are a team, they work with one purpose to restore 4253, they are organised , i would say Charlie and Brian are the best organisers i know, they started the restoration at a time when officially they were not welcome, they got parts, spares, they raised funds, and now own 2 engines , where as the group who own 6619 have an engine part owned by the railway, with no funds to overhaul it.