Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present

Just returned from my wanderings down to sunny Swanage to view progress on 34053 at SLL's AGM (and have a footplate ride on 34070). Its amazing to see what's already been achieved, considering that it was essentially a boiler, frames and wheels, although there's still a bit of a way to go before completion, mainly concerning the boiler. The nameplates are fitted to the running plates, whilst the injectors and associated pipework are in situ, giving some indication of the fact that the locomotive is (just) about to enter the final assembly stage. The RHS motion seems to have been test-fitted (probably to allow adjustment to the valve settings), but I didn't see the left due to welding going on with 34053's new tender (which looked substantially complete). The boiler had a shiny new front tubeplate, just waiting for the completion of the 'sponsor a tube' venture, and the crinolines have been fitted ready to accept the lagging and cladding: certainly a far cry from the rusting object I last saw at Williton on the WSR a couple of years ago.

I'm really looking forward to seeing her in traffic (I have a share in this locomotive, so you could say I have a vested interest in seeing her completed!), and the quality of the work should make her the pride of SLL's fleet. 34072 was also residing in the works, looking somewhat forlorn in her pre-overhaul state. However, I anticipate that she'll be back as the Swanage Railway's 'flagship' locomotive fighting fit, and complementing the brace of BBs on the line. To cap that, the brass at SLL seem a friendly and helpful bunch with a real desire to get on with the task of restoring and maintaining their fleet of locomotives. Consequently, I have absolutely no regrets about stumping up some scarce cash to help preserve an example of my favourite class of locomotive, particularly one that keeps the memory of Sir Keith Park alive. Now for that share in 34072 (when I've paid all my other bills!)...

 

Thanks for that brief update on the weekends goings on at Swanage. I had hoped to be there but work intervened unfortunately. I am also looking forward to seeing 34053 in action as I have also donated to the cause. I'm sure she'll be a fine sight and the potential for a Bulleid Fest becomes more possible.

Cheers,

Paul

 

34070 was on service trains, 34028 was on driver experience (Saturday) and lunchtime diner (Sunday). I didn't exactly see much of the action though, spending my weekend underneath 6695 sorting out the drains on the radial truck underkeeps.

For anyone that's interested I understand Manston will be in service up to Friday.

 

I notice an update on the progress of 35006 has been posted.

http://www.gwsr.com/enthusiasts/dep...on-project/progress-reports/2010/october.aspx

Paul

 

Also an update on SLL's website giving the official view on where things are at the moment:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html

 

An update on the situation with 34046 can be found here http://www.wsr.org.uk/braunton221010.htm

Cheers,

Paul

 

Excellent main line testing at the turn of the year. Can't wait for another rebuilt Light Pacific on the mainline.

Why was Bodmin withdrawn so early in its ticket. Wouldn't it have been due out of service this year or last and has been out of traffic for about 2 or 3 years.

 

A further update from the SLL newsletter, it is hoped that 34053's bottom end will be completed during the Christmas period, notwithstanding the usual caveats associated with long-term restorations. The attention will then focus upon completing the boiler (the current suggested timescale is three months following the completion of the bottom end, but is again subject to the usual terms and conditions), which will need 110 small tubes (at £65 each) and 30 flue tubes/superheater elements (at £475 each), which are available for sponsorship in parallel to the usual £250 share purchase scheme. As stated by NickT, see http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/34053/34053_Tubes.html for details.

 

I believe 34016 needs extensive firebox work. Thinning/cracking of the inner crown sheet and thermic syphons was reported, just prior to withdrawal.

Reading a report from the MHR boilersmith in about 2007, a decision on the viability of carrying out these repairs was to have been made., but we can only conclude that it was deemed uneconomic to proceed, bearing in mind it would have needed a boiler lift ect.

Also there were problems related to the axleboxes that needed sorting, taking up valuable workshop time.

Seems like the punishing mainline schedule early in its last ticket, finally caught up with the old girl.

Will we again see a resident rebuilt light pacific, grace MHR metals? Who knows?

 

I feel that the Mid-Hants isn't quite right unless it has a couple of Bulleid's running. With three laid up on the line it would be nice to know that at least one of them was near the top of the overhaul queue.

Paul

 

I remember the first (and currently last) time I was on the Mid-Hants, I was excited about the prospect of snatching a ride behind 34016, only to find she was having a boiler examination. Missed my chance there...

 

Whilst 34016 may not run at the MHR again, 34105 'Swanage' will be overhauled once 76017 is complete. Of course this will be some years away as 76017 hasn't long started hers. 35005, i have no idea about, i've read often the funds are there for the overhaul but never got an answer from someone to say an estimated time for her to enter the works.

 

I just can't believe that 34016 will end up stuffed and mounted somewhere. For many years it was said that 34105 would probably never be restored to running order again but now it's going to happen. At some stage in the future 34016 will be seen hauling trains again...I would bet my last quid on it.

 

It all depends on what her owner decides after all he has 5 engines he will have to find new homes for in about 4 years time only 1 will have a certificate the rest will all need expensive repairs that have to be paid for it might well be that 34016 will at some stage get an overhaul , but it wont unless another agreement happens be done on MHR metals

 

Can't agree with that, I'm sure 34106 will get overhauled wherever it ends up, its just that the overhaul won't start till it is clear of the MHR. What puzzles me is why the MHR don't hand it back now if they have no intention of overhauling it. Like everyone else they don't seem to be flush with siding space and that would be one way of freeing up a bit of it, same with the second U class and the N. It almost appears that they are being spiteful and want the locos to deteriorate as much as possible before they hand them back.

 

Whether 34016 gets overhauled at the MHR or elsewhere, depends on what is agreed in 4 years time.

Bear in mind that the owner had to find very little finance for the previous overhaul as it was paid for and capitalised by the MHR.

Will he have sufficient capital to finance the overhaul of 34016 and the others?.

Only time will tell.

And as for railways elsewhere taking them on and paying for the overhauls, well of course they will be welcomed by some others.

But a lot of the big established railways already have well stocked fleets and some are now aquiring their own locos. The smaller railways will probably be too frightened to part with their cash, once the overhaul costs are established.

 

34016 will continue to clutter up the Mid Hants until the owner regains control of his locomotives. Well, wouldn't you?

 

Well folks as I see it John Bunch has an agreement with the MHR until 2014 which is legally binding on both sides until then.

NOTHING AND I DO MEAN NOTHING CAN AND WILL BE DONE UNTIL THEN, SO PLEASE STOP SPECULATING AND TRYING TO READ THE MINDS OF JOHN BUNCH AND THE MHR.

It is likely that neither side knows as yet what or will happen , so until then please let us stop winding each other up?

Best regards
Chris:

 

Very much so, and in the next few weeks too so expect an announcement soon.

Regards
Chris:

 

You old teaser Chris, i hope it`s the one i think it is!