Didcot Railway Centre

The GWS places great store in tradition. I have to admire their tenacity! Whilst on the subject of GWS engines is there any timeline for the completion of 1363?

 

I couldn't say to be honest. I think it's a case of 'ready when it's ready.'

 

Much like a 72xx I would image.

 

Have there been any updates on 1466? I'm told some problems with the boiler have emerged and it's been partially dismantled for access to leaking rivets . It's not long since it returned to service.

 

Picture on Didcot's Facebook of 5322 following it's repaint. Looks stunning!

 

I received an email today about the Bank Holiday Gala at Didcot and it had this rather worrying statement included in the email:

"PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, 1466 WILL NOT BE OPERATIONAL THIS WEEKEND OR FOR THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE."

Not operational tor the foreseeable future? I wonder what they have found after taking her apart. Really sad news about a "freshly" overhauled loco.

Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

There is a photo posted on the Great Western Society FB page on 16/5/2026 showing 1466's boiler still off the frames, apparently to deal with leaking rivets. No mention of how the repairs are progressing
(Purely speculation on my part but perhaps an ongoing legal matter regarding who is responsible (financially) for the rectification work is why there have been no detailed updates).

 

Looks like either a significant issues with the works or materials or possibly lack of paperwork for the materials or methods used to repair the boiler

 

Or they're too busy putting it right to issue updates to those of us who really don't need to know?

 

I have recently been told that the problem was with the rivets joining the 2 sections of the barrel together. To get at these it was necessary to remove all the tubes (so now needs a second set of new tubes fitted). A lot of unanticipated extra work for the GWS boiler fitters (The knock on effect being that other projects are likely to also be delayed).

 

Hope the result of this "hiccup" means a fresh ten year ticket

 

Very enjoyable first ever visit yesterday, Wednesday 29th July. 'Pendennis Castle & Trojan were in action on the demonstration lines for one of the three weekly 'Steam Days'. My video, photos to follow...

 

Album of photos from Wednesday 29th July... https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/albums/72177720334965589/