Bluebell Motive Power

Hope that won't cause significant wear+tear on these wonderful survivors!

Noel

 

They seem to be bearing up OK at the moment! Both Ps ran somewhere just below 4,000 miles each last year; I imagine with the doubled intensity of Autumn Tints, they will be above that this year.

Currently, the core of our regular service fleet is all over 100 years old (H, C, E4, P, P) as are the majority of the carriages used on the second service set (either Mets + 4 wheelers; or the LBSC 1st and Birdcage brake from the other set). Somewhat remarkably, the H class ran the biggest mileage of any Bluebell loco last year, more even than the hired-in 9F.

Tom

 

Hmm! It says "The connecting rods are shown as two sections which will eventually be fitted in line and inter-linked by the massive pin shown separately." Shouldn't that be the coupling rods?

 

Just noticed 541 has suddenly appeared on there. Obviously not expecting it to be long before she joins the fun. Presumably this time of year the aim will be to get her out for the Santas like they did with 847 last year?

 

I think being available for the Santas would be a bonus, but I don't think it is being relied on - assuming reasonable reliability, the existing fleet should be able to cope. Last time I checked "by the end of the year" was being talked about. I have a loco turn on Dec 31st

Tom

 

Be good to see 541 back-I was utterly fed up with her and 1618 last time I saw them run, seemed to be on the front every time I went to the Bluebell as a nipper!

Tom, any idea what happened to the C class's chimney? Did it hit something or was there a chunk loose before?

 

Don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. I used to feel the same about 75027, I now miss that...

 

Didn't hit anything - just the casting showing its age I think.

Tom

 

What's the problem with 263, Tom? Just seen a photo on bookface of her in the works with the cab roof and tanks removed.

 

Don't know - I wasn't aware of any problem last week (but then I didn't really talk to anyone in the workshop either ...) She was due a boiler exam, so it is possible - from your description - that some stays need replacing, but I'd await confirmation.

Tom

 

Let's hope it's nothing too serious. Some TLC needed for a very hard-working engine.

 

Update on FaceBook with photos of latest progress with Stowe's overhaul - boiler repairs and some "bottom end" work on the main steam pipes and valve spindle (you don't need to be on FB to view them).

https://www.facebook.com/pages/V-Class-928-Stowe/541470399255215

Tom

 

From the Bluebell e-Newsletter:

"Since my last contribution to the eNewsletter, lots of things have happened, some good news and some not quite so good. But firstly I have to correct a typo from my report in the last edition of Bluebell News.

My piece on Camelot's boiler overhaul noted that the boiler would not be returned until January 2016; I should have written January 2015. At present LNWR Crewe are about on course for this date, and we look forward to receiving the boiler and completing the overhaul in the early part of next year. Work on the frames has just about come to a halt now as we've completed everything we can until the boiler returns.

Elsewhere in the Works, the boiler of Q class No. 541 is now fully tubed and has been filled with water to check for any leaks. Apart from a few dribbles here and there, which were sealed using our caulking tools, the boiler is watertight and will now be prepared for its hydraulic test. This test is the first stage in getting a valid boiler certificate, the second stage being an out-of-the-frames steam test.

Work continues on the boiler of No. 928 "Stowe", with the last of the backhead steel sections now formed and welding of the new platework underway. We have entered into contract with a supplier who will repair the doorplate and tube plate from the inner firebox. Stay removal continues, and we're receiving help from Maunsell Locomotive Society volunteers.

The maintenance side of the Works has not faired so well, with both the C class and H class withdrawn from traffic for repairs to broken boiler stays. The broken stays were discovered during the locomotives' annual boiler exam, and they have occurred in the usual high-stress areas. Currently, the H class is in the Works having new stays fitted, and the C class will enter the Works in January for new stays as well.

Our U class No. 1638 is showing her age, and she has undergone the replacement of a tube that was leaking, while the Furness Railway Trust's 56XX tank is having some remedial work done to its vacuum pump. Both our P class locos and the E4 are performing well and can be seen working most weekends.

The department's new and long-awaited welfare facilities--known as the Above Workshop Facilities (AWF)--were officially opened on 16 Oct., 2014 by Chris Green, former Managing Director of Network Southeast. These new facilities provide improved toilet/shower facilities and a kitchen area and sitting area for both our workshop staff and loco crews.

By Christopher Hunford, Locomotive Director"

 

They (P Classes 178 & 323) looked impressive on Sunday

SECR Wainwright P-class, No.178 and No.323 Bluebell and LB&SCR E4 No. 473 Birch Grove at Sheffield Park by timz2011, on Flickr

 

Who needs BR livery?

 

Any Idea if they'll be running like that again this weekend? Have a free Weekend and would quite like to see them together!

 

I think so - definitely Sunday (lunchtime Golden Arrow); I'm not sure if there is a Saturday Wealden Rambler.

I assume the service trains will be in the hands of 1638 (or maybe 847 - not sure) and B473 each day.

Tom

 

Brilliant, thanks! Will hopefully be up over the weekend!

 

Services for the weekend currently shown as Tom's post above - see http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pti/index.html

847 is due to have it annual bolier exam prior to the Santa's.