All change 2014...

How does 3850 get on with the curves?

 

I heard talk of 80136 returning to the WSR next year.

 

Spa Valley will be Jinty 47493 out, her ticket ends on January 1st, overhaul to commence straight away.

Terrier 'Sutton' the new Cylinder Block is returning very shortly which is a major step towards completing the restoration. In traffic we'll be left with RSH No 62 'Ugly' (7yrs left on ticket) and Polish TKh No 3135 'Spartan' (5yrs left of ticket) the latter can't go to Eridge due to it's size and is presently for sale.

For next year we're currently progressing towards a hire but nothing agreed yet. Bagnall 'Topham' will be returning to Tunbridge Wells West shortly in preparation for an examination of the boiler to cost out and create a plan for its overhaul.

The J94s restoration is currently slowed due to other projects and Andrew Barclay No 2315 'Lady Ingrid' will have its boiler leaving us shortly for the required work to be carried out.

Jonnie

 

NNR's 2014 lineup will probably consist of B12 No. 8572, 4MT No. 76084 minus any visits away with 5619 I believe until the end of 2014.

Also joining them should be 44767 & Ring Haw.

 

Was "Lady Ingrid" formerly the Strathspey's "Clyde"?

 

At the B&KR we've lost Nelson Reid built Coltness Ironworks number 1 to overhaul (progress being mad rapidly with a provisional return to steam for may 2015 - see srpssteam.com for updates).

So 2014 looks like Austerity WD 75254 and D49 "Morayshire" 62712 (246) will be the mainstays with Austerity NCB number 19 returning hopefully around summertime with a (very) hopeful return of CR 419 by the end of the year. This however is subject to volunteer numbers to be able to progress the machining work needing done courtesy of the thefts we had.

Also returning from her holiday at the NRM will be NBR C Class (or J36 to most) "Maude" 673 with a view to begin a breakdown of the work needing done for her overhaul

 

The WSR needs a minimum of 5 engines of Class 4 or above to maintain its services. In 2013 it had 6 engines all of which were pretty reliable with no extended stoppages. With 9351 now under overhaul, this will fall to 5 engines in 2014: 88, 3850, 4160, 6960, 7828. No 88 comes out of service for overhaul in the latter part of 2014 and is likely to be replaced by 80136. No 6960 is essentially a replacement for 34046 and will be staying for at least another 3 years. It is certainly a much liked loco by the footplate staff.

David

 

The WSR has only two reasonably sharp curves on the running line, both just west of Watchet. I think the sharpest is about 11 chains radius which is no problem for 3850. The curves have recently been partially relaid with welded flat bottom track and with the addition of flange greasers I don't think there are any real issues on the line for even for the longest wheelbase locos. There is one tight spot on the new triangle which I believe is to be adjusted soon.

 

Do the flange greasers cause any adhesion issues ?, those on places like Dainton seem to pose problems.

 

I have not heard any comments about those fitted on the NYMR.
Some new ones have been in place all this running season.

 

We're used to them but they can be a pain at times. Hand on regulator, at the ready for any slip.......which often happens on the one at Beckhole