Getting back to the real world...

It is striking to me that very few of the threads on this page have anything to do with what is going on in the real world! Can we please have more news on progress with overhauls and operation of locos that actually exist rather than endless speculation about ones that don't and sniping at their protagonists. To kick it off, 44806 is now reported to have arrived at New Bridge Yard on the NYMR, but will be trapped there for a while until winter PWay works are completed at Hunting Gate and Levisham straight. Once it arrives at Grosmont it will then enter the repair shed for some Remedial works before it enters service.

 

Can only talk about them if there's someone willing to say what's going with them, which isn't always the case, for example with 6201, I see far more related to goings on within the society's membership than anything happening or planned to the loco.

 

Well down in Sunny Swanage we've been getting on with 34072 257 Squadron's overhaul. Here are some pictures taken of work in progress (and a bit of fun for the volunteers) in January, including some of boiler work being done at Adam Dalgleish Engineering in Stockton (or North Swanage as we like to think of it.)

https://picasaweb.google.com/116839141471298057728/Restoration2014#

 

Last Sunday at Sheffield Park, there was work on at least five locos:

- C class 592 was in the works for some remedial repairs to the paint work, following rectification of a problem with the valves.
- Q class 541 was having another coat of paint on the frames and cab. It now appears to be very much at the stage of being reassembled, rather than dismantled! Meanwhile the paid staff were working on the boiler. Quite a bit of plate work on the outer firebox has been removed where grooving has occurred, with new plates being prepared to weld back in, Again, the work now seems to be putting the boiler back together rather than cutting bits out! The repairs include making good one of the two wartime patch repairs to the firebox, caused when 541 was caught in a bomb explosion in 1942. The other wartime repair looks like it will be left as the plate work and repair are still in good condition.
- Schools class 928 was having the boiler being washed out, as it progresses to its boiler lift. For anyone who hasn't seen photos recently, the boiler of the loco is still in place, but all the cladding has been removed, some of the motion is removed (certainly the outside motion; not sure about the inside) and as much as possible has been removed that is holding the loco to the boiler (steam pipes etc). The loco has its own Facebook page - well, this is the "serious" thread, isn't it? https://www.facebook.com/pages/V-Class-928-Stowe/541470399255215
- BR Std 5 73082 - There was work going on with Camelot, but I didn't see what. I think the team are really waiting for space in the workshop for the loco to come in so that reassembly can start. Hopefully that will happen when the C class re-emerges.
- H2 class 32424 - the team were beavering away in Beachy Shed, but I didn't see what.

Apparently, there was some kind of railway service happening further north, but I can't confirm that...

Tom

 

Situation in the "Real World" at Bridgnorth is as follows:
-34027 "Taw Valley":-Work continues on the frames and running gear in the works, and on restaying the new inner firebox in the boiler shop.
-34053 "Sir Keith Park":- Repair of the damage sustained at the end of December continues.
-4930 "Hagley Hall":- Work has been concentrated on repair to the new tender (following the tender swap with another group). I believe overhaul of the locomotive might be awaiting the outcome of a HLF funding bid.
-7802 "Bradley Manor":- Much work continues on the frames and running gear at Tyseley. Boiler in the boilershop at Bridgnorth.
-75069:-Work continues on several fronts, including repairs to the tender, and preparation of the frames for a new rear drag box. Boiler awaiting entry to the boilershop.
-Port Talbot Railway/GWR 813;- Work progressing on the firebox and mechanicals. New coupling rods being machined.
-42968:- Members of support group assisting with stripping parts to allow for the boiler lift.
-New build 82045:- Driving wheels at SDR for fitting of axles tyres and crankpins. Casting of cylinders imminent, or may even have taken place at Cerdic Foundries. Machining of other components continues. Active volunteer group.
-Pannier 7714: Awaiting further progress with boiler work.
Work is also taking place on contract jobs, but I am not uptodate with those, eg "Dunrobin" and others.

46118

 

Thanks for this - exactly the sort of thing I was hoping for and much more interesting than posts slagging off kids over their unrealistic ambitions!

 

If they are genuinely interested and it isn't just a passing phase I think they do that anyway.

 

Haven't you effectively just done exactly what this new thread was meant to get away from!!

 

But I didn't start it, it was the administrator what done that!

 

An attempt to bring it all back on track and narrow the scope of the thread and Gauge the interest of others...

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway - News Round up

RUSSELL (HE901 - 1906)is nearing completion of his overhaul at Alan Keef's in Ross on wye
Plans are being firmed up for the private and public relaunch of RUSSELL - Public relaunch RUSSELL Returns Gala 3rd-5th May
New Boiler for GELERT (Bagnall 3050 - 1953) is under construction at Israel Newton
EX WD Baldwin No.794 (44699 - 1917) overhaul due to recommence once RUSSELL vacates the space at Keef's
Disable access carriage No.7 is having a new floor and work on the Tremadog side doors to replace rotten wood work
Ex Vale of Rheidol Brake van has had an internal repaint and work on the roof to fix a leak
New diesel shed has been insulated to make life more pleasant for the inhabitants
An exciting new project is being worked up and details of how YOU CAN HELP will be announced very soon!

Plus all the usual winter maintenance and planning.

 

I agree entirely with the sentiments of this thread. But, one aspect of this forum is the ability to drift off on flights of fantasy about the recreation of some long lost favourite as a diversion from the realities of winter storm damage to the track, the ravages of time on precious artefacts stored in that open or the unexpected problems which do arise in keeping what we already have in working order.

Sent from my HTC One mini using Tapatalk

 

In the real world in North Norfolk:
Locos:
LMS Black 5 44767 passed its steam test and is on the final leg of return to service in very near future.
Hunslet 1982 'Ring Haw's boiler has passed hydraulic test and loco is ready for rapid reassembly.
LNER B12 8572 undergoing winter maintenance works.
WD 2-10-0 90775 frames in workshops for stripping for commencement of mechanical overhaul. Boiler work continuing on rebuilding firebox.
GER Y14 564 - away at Ian Riley's works in Bury for full overhaul - due back late 2014.
BR Std 4 2-6-0 76084 currently on loan to ELR until end of February.
DMU 101681 - bodywork nearly complete, engines being rebuilt. Due back in traffic during 2014.
Class 25 25057 - bodywork repairs undertaken, engine work nearing completion, governor to be sent away for overhaul to resolve long running low power issues. Still needs further work on Sheringham end cab.
08 08767 (D3935) is undergoing full overhaul.
03 D2063 is undergoing engine rebuild.

Carriages:
TSO 4958 having new door pillars and toilet end rebuilt.
BS 43357 having bodywork repairs and interior refurbishment. Due to be turned out in early BR crimson as par to Sub4 project.
SLO 48001 nearing end of bodywork repairs. Still interior to be done. Will be turned out later in 2014 in early BR crimson as par to Sub4 project.
S 46139 has been stripped of asbestos and due to be grit blasted to remove residual paint and clean off all surface rust. Will enter shops for bodywork repairs and overhaul. Not due out until 2015.
M&GN Saloon no.3 - rebuild coming along nicely now on donor 6-wheel underframe and body likely to be completed late 2014/early 2015 at present rate of progress.

Regards

Steve

 

In the distinctly questionable reality of Apedale, KS2395 Stanhope remains a reliable stalwart. The Joffre - KS3014 - remains one cylinder short of a set, but the new cylinder is either at the foundry or will be very soon. All being well, loco will run in 2014. The ex-Ghana Hudswell, HC1238, is off site, but rapidly approaching completion - again, we very much hope to run in 2014. Both the Hudswell and the Joffre will be key players in the September World War One gala.

On the diesel front, both passenger diesels have passed through their winter exams, both getting a "Distinction". The current "Heritage" diesel project is Hudswell D558, which again is not too far from completion.

Regards,

Simon Lomax

 

In the "real world" at Mangapps, over the last two weekends, Bagnall 3061 "Empress" has had her boiler cladding replaced, saddle tank repaired and repainted and cab repainted, ready for reassembly during February. 4MT 80078, having had 50+ stays renewed, re-tubing has commenced. On the diesel front, 31 530 has been started for the first time in preservation and work continues on body repairs, 03 089 is having it's cab interior repainted, 03 399 is being prepared for minor body repairs and repainting and 03 081 has had a light service, ready to start the 2014 season next weekend. Finally, the way has been cleared for the bits of the "F5" new-build scheme to leave tomorrow.

 

Is the 56xx tank staying on the NNR for much longer?

 

Your biggest problem is those who are busy doing all the work are too busy doing the work to update forums etc. Add to that if you post something a Keyboard Warrior doesn't agree with then be prepared to be told otherwise, despite the fact you're the one at the sharp end doing the work!

However to give a CVR Update, information as below;
*TKH 2944 - Recently undergone a steam test, now work is progressing on sorting out the tanks and pipework etc. Will be in light steam at the gala around the yard, before returning to the sheds for completion of her overhaul. She is to be formally launched at the Anything Goes Event June 21/22.
*S160 6046 - Undergoing yearly boiler inspection, and awaiting the return of her air pump following repairs. Will be ready for participation at our Steam Gala.
*S160 5197 - Boiler currently under repair in Chedd Shed. Last I saw was new side stays being fitted but due to work I haven't been down much in 2014 as I'd like.
*Beyer Peacock 1827 - Finishing touches to the repaired saddle tank, again should be ready for Steam Gala.
**37 407/424 - Recently received a lick of paint to make them look tidier to passing trains. Overhaul planned upon completion of 47524
**47 524 - Overhaul recommenced, with work ongoing in no2 End. Engine Room awaiting the end of winter so shot blasting can take place.
**33 021/102 - Maintenance Exams completed
**Brightside - Rebuilding of Rolls Royce Engine progressing slowly
**E1878 - Restoration of the line's RMB is now in full swing, which following year's of vandalism means the coach is currently an empty shell. However hopefully a full restored RMB will be ready by end of the year.

Away from the shed;
*Ipstones Loop is the main project. PWay have been busy laying the trackwork, whilst a group of S&T/MPD volunteers have commissioned the North Ground Frame. A GF at the South end of the Loop will be installed at a later date when Ipstones platform is refurbished. Until then though trains will simply runround at Ipstones and return to Cheddleton/Froghall.

 

You are quite right. As a relatively new member of this forum, I find it irritating that some regular posters seem only to be concerned with their own pet interests and with flights of fancy, or rubbishing other people's flights of fancy, whilst ignoring the vast amount of real work that is going on at railways all over the country. This thread is an opportunity to redress the balance and I hope that those members who are involved at the sharp end will ensure that it becomes a regular fixture.

I'm also delighted to see that some of the reports are not restricted to the subject of steam locos!

 

In that case I'll add that at Pickering the LNERCA is in the final stages of restoring Gresley BTK 3669 and Thompson TK 3669, and gradually picking up work behind the scenes on 1894 -built ECJS diner no 189. In 1623 the compartment doors are being fitted, the toilets are being fitted out and newly made heater and ventilator controls are about to be delivery. The scumbling of the exterior is close to being finished and will be followed by transfers and varnishing 3669 has had the Guards van floor laid and work is beginning on overhauling the bogies. In the case of 189 we are seeking to appoint a contractor for the design work on altering our spare underframe to suit, whilst progress is also being made on designing the elaborate gasoliers used to light the coach, and on the cast iron seats.