Gwsr post Christmas running

The Gwsr are operating from the 26th Dec until jan 1st.
For the first time 35006 will be in use during winter (please check before travelling)

Current loco roster (check before travelling)
26th - 7903 and 35006
27th/28th - 7903
29th/30th mixed traffic event -35006 and 7903 joined by class 20, both 37’s and peak 45149.
31st -35006
1st - 35006 and 7903 plus class 37 D6948 (with steam heat boiler).

 

Sadly, 2807 won't be operating for the remainder of 2018, as can be seen from the previous post. The loco failed after one of the Santa Specials earlier this month. As part of the diagnosis from a later, failed, steam test, the GWSR and 2807 teams checked the cylinder drain cocks on the left hand side of 2807 and extracted sufficient pieces to form half of a piston ring. So to quote our engineering rep, "2807 will not steam again during this operating season. The pistons and cylinders will be examined to determine what remedial works are required. It had been planned to do this during the winter maintenance period because it was known that the piston rings were at the end of their normal life. It is known that wear can occur to the grooves in the piston head which allows the piston rings to twist and break." Disappointing, to say the least, and expensive as we will lose steaming fees for the period. However, such is the life of a heritage steam locomotive at times. Hard to believe, but 2807 returned to life in 2010 and we are preparing for its heavy general overhaul sometime in 2020. Time flies when you're having fun! (Shares are available in Cotswold Steam Preservation - 2807's owning group - for £150!).