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80078

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by Steve1015, Oct 25, 2012.

  1. kieranhardy

    kieranhardy Well-Known Member

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    Probably 6695 aswell.

    I do wonder if there would be this much issue if it was 80104 being sold, there probably wouldn't to be honest as the only difference seems to be one has been there a far longer time and has the history at the line, infact hasn't 80104 been running longer than 80078? If so, doesn't she tell more of a story operationally wise than 80078? But to be frankly honest, some locomotives just have to move on. Take 34016 'Bodmin' at the MHR. It will leave in 2014 and has been there since the 70's. It is pretty much the locomotive you first think of when you think of the MHR, it is a huge part of the MHR's history and has been running for much of it unlike 80078 which didn't run until the 90's. I'm sure the railway will be extremely sad to finally see her go, but like 80078 she is sitting in a siding awaiting overhaul. Once she leaves she has a new future and the railway will move on with other locomotives such as the Standard 4 4-6-0 and in time locomotives like 34058.

    Swanrail, your last sentence saying she should have stayed regardless of the owner is i'm sorry fantasy world. In an ideal world she would remain at Swanage (and who knows she may do yet) but she isn't owned by the railway. As has been said previously, the owners can do whatever they want with their own property, be it sell it or paint it pink, not feel they have to morally keep it at a railway for good.

    I've been visiting Swanage since the early-mid 90's and to be frankly honest 80078 is not the first locomotive i think of when i think of the line. It has been and probably always will be their original flagship No. 34072. I'm sure Swanage are very eager to have her back as that locomotive helped them out a huge amount over the years it ran and i know they think a lot of that engine and she tells a huge part of the Swanage railways history....
     
  2. stevegcr

    stevegcr New Member

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    I guess that communication between the railway and the new owner has already started and until those talks have been completed nothing more will be said.

    The important thing is that the loco now has a secure future and will now be overhauled and that SLL also have some money in the bank for the overhauls they have coming up in the future.
    I guess most contracts between owners and railways are on the basis of a steaming fee everytime a loco is used, it would therefore be pointless SLL having more locos than are needed based on one railway as it would not bring in any extra revenue.

    Steve
     
  3. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    3205 was instrumental in the birth of the SVR but has not resided at Bridgnorth for many years, Im sure they were saddened by that fact, but non the less they moved forward with other motive power, 3205 eventually went to a good home at Buckfastleigh via the WSR, it's not like 80078 is being scrapped never to be seen again.

    What im trying to say is, look at some of the dark places Swanage has been in it's past, and look where you are now, hell of a difference isn't it ?, appreciate what you have and achieved, motive power at any Heritage Line is a constant merry go round of engines going in and out of ticket, some engines do sadly depart, but new arrivals come and take their place and in time are taken to peoples hearts too.

    Yes a Bulleid isn't ideal for a 5 1/2 mile branch, but how many loco's in preservation actually are ideal for the work we ask of them ? 90% or more are something of a square peg in a round hole and we do the best we can with them as there isn't something more suitable, yes you'd take a standard tank over most other things given the choice, but if the choice is between a Bulleid and a Diesel substitution, I think that's a rather easy choice to make, even if the said Bulleid would be happier romping up to Waterloo with 10 on.

    And I woulden't describe 34053 as a "bodged rebuild" either, it seemed very capable and suprisingly sure footed for a light pacific the amount of times I saw it last month.
     
  4. NDTSDN

    NDTSDN Part of the furniture

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  5. swanrail

    swanrail Guest

    I would like to make it 100% clear that I am in no position of influence or power on the Swanage Railway.

    I am not on the Council of Management of the SRT, nor a director of the Company. I am also not a member of paid staff. I am a volunteer who feels strongly about this subject.

    This has been a massive blow to us, its the principal and I think you will find that time and time again, SLL management have said that 78, would remain.
    They did not consult their membership on the sale as with 35027, otherwise the SRT would have known.

    I am fully aware that some see this as naivety but its not, I am also fully aware that we are not alone in engines leaving.

    Locomotives will come and go, but the methods in which this locomotive left is very cloak and dagger.
    That what is causing the upset.

    It appears the sale was kept quiet so as not to give the Swanage Railway the chance to bid, and judging by the behaviour of some of SLL management in recent years, this is not far off the mark.

    I am VERY proud that Swanage Railway, its volunteers and management generally hold face and don't air their dirty laundry, but on this, I and others felt that it is time to stand up and shout. If you have a problem with that, fine, don't take my view. Its my view, not the railways and is my personal choice.
    I am not talking for the Swanage Railway at all. Im talking as a committed volunteer who feels his railway has been taken for a ride and is standing up for its history and its future.
    Like i said, this isn't a gripe at anyone other than the SLL management, its not aimed at SLL membership who the Swanage Railway trust members make up a large number anyway.
     
  6. Standard by 4

    Standard by 4 New Member

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    As a share holder in Project 78 i found myself a share holder in SL by means of merger not choice, but I admit I have bought further SL shares only the last few years to give general support. However I now find myself a share holder without the original lococomotive i was supporting! I have noticed how little information has been given by the railway in the last couple of years regarding 80078, nothing in the magazine or websites about trying to buy the loco bag or overhaul options. Back in the ninties I said Swanage should not have all "its eggs in one basket" and objected to the merger with SL. SL have made it clear that Bullieds are number one to them, so its no surprises this has happened.Maybe its the time to look for something different? An Ivatt class 2, on loan? One small useless point, not all of 80078 will be going, the boiler, side tanks and some other parts are on 80104! I think!
     
  7. jurassic

    jurassic New Member

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    And I woulden't describe 34053 as a "bodged rebuild" either, it seemed very capable and suprisingly sure footed for a light pacific the amount of times I saw it last month.[/QUOTE]


    Never judge a book by it's cover. "bodged rebuild" refers to the standard of mechanical restoration, nothing at all to do with it being capable and sure footed! ;-)
     
  8. twr12

    twr12 Well-Known Member

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    Most Bulleid Pacifics are capable and sure footed - they were designed to be!
     
  9. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    :lol::pound:
     
  10. Stormforce

    Stormforce New Member

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    I am a Swanage Railway Volunteer and I watched 80078 leave on Thursday (and photographed it leave). I asked where it was going and why? No one knew. Only weeks ago I was at the SRT AGM and nothing was said. This is not a way to run a heritage railway.
     
  11. Steve1015

    Steve1015 Member

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    It was not know about then...thats why it wasnt raised
     
  12. twr12

    twr12 Well-Known Member

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    Stormforce, are you suggesting that Swanage Railway should have prevented SLL from selling their loco, or should have not moved it for loading?
     
  13. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Well said the man.
     
  14. THE MELTER

    THE MELTER Member

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    And what might i ask is wrong with an Andrew Barclay, there is many a large outfit that relied on such humble engines befor they got up themselves.

    The Melter
     
  15. 61624

    61624 Part of the furniture

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    ....but they're not really suited to hauling 5 coach trains on a six mile run, are they? (Unless we're talkng about an AB Austerity)
     
  16. THE MELTER

    THE MELTER Member

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    So now we are talking about "some" Andrew Barclays.

    The melter
     
  17. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Wasn't meant as a slur on Industrials, rather was trying to point out they could be stuck with an 0-4-0T that would struggle to move load 2 a couple of miles.
     
  18. Steve1015

    Steve1015 Member

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    At the end of the day the loco was owned by SLL. The have sold it. The railway does not have to replace it as it was not part of the running fleet as it was already out of service and requiring an overhaul.
    It was out of the railways hands and if people have a problem with it being sold maybe you should appraoch SSL and not the railway.
    I dare say that the railway has it current and future loco plans etc well in hand.

    Its not the first time a railways "prize" loco has left and I dare say it wont be the last. At the end of the day these things happen....move on.
     
  19. Stormforce

    Stormforce New Member

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    Here is the official statement -

    "We know that many members of the Swanage Railway Trust will be extremely disappointed that this sale has now taken place. Sadly, there was nothing that we could do to prevent the sale, by the legitimate owners of the locomotive, from going ahead.

    We have been working for some time to try to reach agreement with Southern Locomotives Ltd. whereby the locomotive would remain at Swanage in perpetuity. However, this has not been possible despite us pressing Southern Locomotives Limited that they did, at least, have a moral obligation to keep the locomotive on our Railway.

    We are led to understand that the new owner is minded to look to operate the locomotive on the Swanage Railway once restoration is complete. We will be endeavouring to make contact with the new owner as soon as possible to discuss future operating potential. At this time, we have no information as to how long an overhaul is likely to take

    We will pass on any news as soon as we can and whenever possible.
    "
     
  20. cct man

    cct man Part of the furniture

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    I think that is a statement that is fair and straight to the point IMHO.

    There is nothing else to say or do now, so my suggestion as an outsider is move on.

    Just my opinion.

    Kind regards
    Chris:
     

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