Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

I should think its a hairline fracture similar to the one found on 34046's driving axle. This is probably conjecture, but the reason why there was a great effort to replace the axle is the fact that it was intended to go on the mainline. The use of 35027's tender was only intended to be a stop-gap until 34046's own was ready, although I cannot comment on whether the tender axles were tested beforehand. Either way, I would think it would have been fine for low-speed running unless it overheated in service, indicating that something was about to 'give'. At least this way the problem is known, and that it will not raise its ugly head in the last stages of 'Port Line's overhaul.

 

Indeed it is sad that not more of them are out on the mainline. Yes, we must be thankful that so many of them have been saved and restored and grateful that so many people have put so much money and effort into the rebuilding process. However; if I was rich enough to own one and be able to operate it, which I will never be, I know where I would want it to be working. There is no substitute for watching these magnificent beasts thunder past with 10 or 11 on or watching them enter large mainline stations and seeing the look of awe on peoples faces as they arrive.

I sometimes wonder if the guys or groups that now own them and keep them restricted to heritage lines ever experienced the glory of mainline steam in it's later years. I guess we have to very pleased that there are people like Jeremy Hoskins and Ian Riley out there who want to see Loco's operating in their intended enviroment and working in a proper way.

 

I'm not sure how an axle defect that was only identfied by UAT could cause overheating. Can you explain?

 

Yes we did experience the glory of main line steam thank you very much.
Running a loco on the main lone is a huge drain on resources, resources that many owning
groups just don't have. If it was that easy we'd be awash with main line certificated
locos but then there wouldn't be enough work to go round.

 

A sore subject this!! Trouble is that whatever the reason the WSR are not running 34046 Braunton is for a very good reason and isn't worth the sacrifice of a derailment!

I partly agree with Bulleid Pacific on this one....

 

Not really, just me being a scum-of-the-earth armchair enthusiast whose only involved with carriages...

 

Bulleid nameplates

I know the WC class engines had brass nameplates, but I'm unsure whether the BB class nameplates were made of brass or aluminium. Can anybody point me in the direction of a reference?

Regards

 

On the DVD 'Bulleids in Retrospect', Ron White refers to them as being made of gunmetal, so presumably they have brass lettering.

 

The crest surrounds are gunmetal as are the nameplates. A copper based alloy containing quantities of tin and zinc.

 

My thanks to 'Bulleid Pacific' and 'Spamcan81' for their prompt answers.

Regards

 

BB nameplates

I have just received a reply to the query I sent to the NRM on the matter of BB class nameplates. They were made from 'Gunmetal Type 90'.

The reason why I originally asked the question was that BB engines in preservation always seem to have their nameplates polished to such an extent so as to appear to be made of aluminium. Now I know the real answer and my thanks to all.

Regards

 

Does anyone know where abouts in Portland (As in access) to get to see 35018 "British India Line"?

Seen this photo in 2005 http://southwestrailways.fotopic.net/p39939199.html
But would like to know if there is any work being done on the loco or whether she has deteriorated further??

 

I think my Grandpa managed to get hold of a picture of it there recently, I shall ask him about it.

 

Thanks for the prompt reply LN850 - Be good to hear and to find out how you get there exactly as well?

 

it's at the top off a very steep ad narrow roaded hill, amazing how they got something that size up there actually. We had a job to get up there in a land rover discovery with all the traffic a couple off years ago

 

A big shame that the owner couldn’t come to an agreement with the MHR like 34105 & 76017 owners have. We may have seen her running by now. It must be about five or six years since she left the MHR and went to Portland. Will we ever she her run in preservation? I wonder what her fate is now?

 

I think you have certainly left this open to discussion Lee.. But not what I want to know for now? What is her deteriation and where abouts in Portland is 35018?

 

35018 is in a yard off Tradecroft Road, at the Tradecroft industrial Estate. Visible on Google Earth.

Last visited back in July and she has not deteriorated too much since the photo in 2005, however being near the sea is not going to help her condition long term.

Don`t think there is a place for her at the MHR anymore, as the owner missed the boat so to speak. Shortly after he rejected the MHR proposal to buy her, he moved her to Portland.

The MHR bought 35005 "Can Pac" instead.

Its a shame, because as has been stated 35018 would most probably been running by now. What is becoming clear as time moves on is that the owner obviously does not have the funds to restore her. What will the future hold? Who knows?

 

Having been down the MHR and MHR through and through! I know that they made a good buy in 35005 "Can pac'" I have so many fond memories of that loco! Spent alot of my time on the footplate of that loco! Definately my favourite - Always will be!!

But I think everyone has to wonder if 35018 would have been mainline too alongside the likes of 35005 and 35028??

That owner certainly made a mistake in letting the loco go - How much work will need doing now - Condition of the boiler etc......

 

Others have given you directions to the site where the loco resides. You can see the thing from the road without accessing the site. If you want to get up close you need to do the sensible thing and seek permission before entering the premises. I had a good look at it earlier this year. It's not difficult but it helps if you are a customer of South Coast Steam.