Main line comings and goings - 2014

As a corollary to the "First first-time restoration to steam in 2014" thread under "Steam traction", it will be interesting to consider which locos will be retiring from the main line in 2014, and which will (or might) be returning. Given the shortages of locos last year, it looks at first glance as though things will not be so tight in 2014.

According to UK steam info, there are a few engines whose "M L Cert" expires in 2014 - 5029, 5043 and 70013 (and I think 35028 can be added to this list) Mind you, as has been pointed out many times on this forum, the concept of a 7-year Main Line Certificate is pretty fluid these days, and all 4 of these engines look like they may well work on to a full 10 years, especially given the serious mid-term overhauls undertaken on 70013 and 5029 a year ago, while the performances put in by 5043 and 35028 suggest that the ongoing and regular maintenace on these engines is keeping them in pretty top-notch condition, so they too should continue in action beyond seven years.

So nothing coming out this year? (I'm open to correction here), and what may be coming in?

Welcome back to the big railway for 61264 and 60007 after a few years' absence, and to 45212 after over 45 years. I would assume 5690 should be back in action this year as well. Hopefully 61306 will be in action too.

What of the longer shots?

Any chance of 6100?
34027 is apparently being restored to main line condition but is not currently scheduled for a return to the main line.
34092 ought to be back in steam this year, but the last I heard was that it was due to spend a year on the K&WVR before venturing any further.
35027 is destined for the main line, but I have heard little about progress
35018 - a real long shot. As with all Carnforth restorations, it will be ready when it's ready. Great to see it if it does make 2014.
7029: Pity it couldn't be part of a double act with 5043 in May. Anyone heard about when it might be ready?
6023: separate thread on this engine, with some posters adamant that it will run main line in 2014.
4079????
6024?? (When withdrawn in early 2012, there was talk of a turn-round in two years)

Anyway, gents, over to any of you who have more accurate info than me. I'm only relying on my memory and summarising what I have gleaned from the forum and from the railway periodicals.

 

4079 not until 2015.Latest GWS Echo states its tender currently with 5051 will be required in 12 to 18 months.

 

Errrr regarding 60007, do you know something we don't.

Has had a mainline cert for nearly 8 months now, and only run l/e to NRM.

Reading the most recent chime, political issues seem to be preventing main line running, not from the A4LPS I hasten to add.

Lets hope these can be resolved, she certainly is a miss..

 

I'm not expecting Lizzie to be back before 2015.

 

No, but I assumed that 60007 was due back on the main line in 2014. I hope the "political issues" are resolved.

 

I think 5043's had the equivalent of an intermediate last year, certainly she undertook a test run about March/April , so I think she'll be about for a while yet, would be nice to be able to play with her and Clun for a couple of years before the Earl bows out.

 

Wasn't there some information out there that Clan Line shall be out and about running until 2016? If so I don't remember who said what.

 

Yes, 60007 was fully mainline certified with West Coast all through 2013 making two trips Grosmont – York and return.

As noted previously the situation was explained to members in ‘Chime’: 60007 was buffeted by events and decisions outside the control of SNGLPT/A4LS. Specifically concerning mainline operation it has been a difficult few years for everybody involved but things have moved on and I believe we can be optimistic about better news for 2014. Already announced is a planned visit to the North Norfolk Railway, subject to Network Rail Gauging.

http://www.sirnigelgresley.org.uk/news.html

 

Isn't this Bittern's last year on the mainline (unless it gets an extension)?

 

Be nice if SNG can have the shackles off on the big railway more often in 2014.

 

Easily ! Though could be longer, as apparently there's hardly any funding for it !

 

I take that back. I do smell something in the air. However, I am going to keep the rest of the information Confidential with respect to the 6201 Society.