70013 'Oliver Cromwell' repair update

The GCR put 45305 back togeather in around 10 days just over a month ago, and tyseley did 4965 last year, 10 days from boiler in to trial run on network rail.

 

Errrr - I think I might want to add Bridgnorth into that list! There are few places better than SVR for a works overhaul, whilst another major works is Chatham Steam Restoration "Darn Sarf", although they do tend to concentrate on smaller locos these days.

One "newcomer" should also be looked at, which is ........ Buckfastleigh, who now have Pridham's boiler stuff under their command - they should soon be able to do some very good contract work!!

We should be pleased and grateful that these places exist and are continuing to develop their services AND of course are preerving heritage skills for the benefit of us all.

 

All this talk of putting a loco back together in 10 days is all well and good when the loco is/has been in working order and doesn't require any further work! Now we all know from the 6100 thread that this is not the case! I have not been involved in full size preservation but I do repair and maintain 3 5" steam locos. From my experience I know that I can take one of these apart and put it back together a lot quicker when it's all working properly as appose to taking it apart to find out whats wrong, correcting the problem and then putting it back together! I'm also sure that if errors have been made then it is not just going to a case of repairing the problem (alignment of the horns I believe in the case of 6100), instead this will have implications on a lot of the valve gear etc and i'm sure this will take a while to repair.

In addition to the mechanical problems there's the small matter of finance! Now i'm sure LNWR are not going to do this free of charge and I suspect there isn't a big bottomless pit of money so who's to say that this isn't the cause of further delay?

Now I am just an enthusiast here and I have no connections with LNWR Crewe, 6100 or 70013, however i'm sure all the engines there are in good hands and will get done when it's their turn! I do not feel that any ill comments towards LNWR's productivity are valid/appreciated without knowing all the facts (i'm sure we've been here before!)

Back on topic!!! I wish 5305LA the best of luck with 70013! I am much anticipating the return of 2 working Brits (something which has never been possible for me to appreciate!) I am also looking forward to the chance to see all 3 5305LA loco's together in steam at the same time, a most commendable achievement, especially main line equipped too! In the mean time I hope you are enjoying the return of your Black 5 and I look forward to the next bit of good news! Some people may find it hard to believe, but without the efforts of 5305LA and Crewe we wouldn't be appreciating the preservation moement as it is today!

Kind Regards

Paul

 

Okay, sorry guys to all those at The Flour Mill, Bridgnorth, The WSR, the NYMR, KWVR, NVR, Carnforth, erm now I'm racking my brains trying to think who else I've missed out, who might be thinking of suing me for not mentioning them.!!! Please remember I'm a poor pensioner, so you'd be lucky to get more than the cost of a first class stamp from me!!!
Now let's get back on topic.

 

Bluebell? Quainton Road? Just for starters.

 

70013 definitely being steamed outside the Heritage Centre this afternoon.

 

Theres also the argument that the latest to take on this kind of work might have had the shortest queues (though this doesnt last for ever) or even best prices?

 

Previous quote:

"70013 definitely being steamed outside the Heritage Centre this afternoon"

Great news is if this is the case. I understand from other posts and press that the plan is for 70013 to return to Loughborough for finishing-off and running in, and to appear at the Winter Gala at the end of January. After that it will presumably be ready for another season of main line work from March?

Good luck to the 5305LA lads

 

Went past crewe on way to Liverpool yesterday and it looked like there was a Brit in steam but guessed it was 70000 as didnt think 70013 was repaired, good news if it is though.

 

She has been successfully steam tested http://www.5305la.org.uk/news.aspx?ID=291

 

Low loader at Crewe yesterday to move 70013, probably left 19:00 ish or later.

 

Yah good news.

 

I'm unsure but how long ago was the boiler last repaired?

 

Excellent news and a perfect reason to visit the GCR in January!

 

Wasn't the previous boiler repair carried out there only a few years ago?

 

She is back at Loughborough and the repair looks really good.